The hot weather is a sign it has become time to take a car trip and family vacation with windows down and music played loud. But the heat may as well dry up vital fluids in your auto resulting in stalling. Nobody will like to experience breakdowns along the way. It is not only tiresome but stressful too. Overheated engines and using up of fuel when making long journeys during the summer months are the commonest issues.

This guide explores the common summer roadside car breakdown issues due to summers, the way one can prevent them, and the answers to the most frequently asked questions. We hope that this manual will allow you not to worry about driving the car throughout the summer.

Frequent Car Failures and Their Causes

In summer, the most dominating symptom of trouble is vehicle overheating. Other systems related to overheating include hot weather “creating or enhancing” leaks, loss of refrigerant, tyre blowouts, and damaged serpentine belts. In summer, hot weather can further aggravate many problems. These are just a few of the systems that contribute to one of the most frequently called roadside assists.

Engine Overheating

Most car overheating issues revolve around the vehicle’s engine cooling system overheating, especially in the summer months. There is burning hot air as well as summertime fuel that adds to excess heat. During summer, steam is also more visible and the engine noise increases as the coolant running through the engine blocks boils at higher and higher temperatures.

Prevention suggestions: 

• Make certain proper coolant levels are maintained. 
• Replace broken belts and hoses. 
• Cooling systems should be flushed out after 30,000 to 50,000 miles 
• After parking the vehicle, check for puddles of coolant below the vehicle.

Imagine driving up a steep hill while running the air conditioner at maximum settings. Your engine will be constantly overworked, circulation of coolant will be diminished leading to overheating. Now think about being forced to pull over because system overheating triggers safety measures. 

Tire Blowouts

Taking these aspects into consideration, the summer heat can be relentless, especially when driving on the motorways which puts you into these conditions. Whenever the road is boiling and you are heavily loaded, then you will be travelling at top speeds. This is also going to deflate your tyres. 

Here are the following prevention suggestions: 

• Check each tyre pressure once a month and do so when tyres are cool for the best results.
• Check the tread depth and replace the tyres if below the two thirty seconds mark.
• Do not exceed the weight limit of the vehicle. 
• Rotate the wheels after 5,000 to 7,500 miles of distance. 

Consider the scenario where you are driving for hours to visit family and the sun overheats the tarmac. Now picture your car pulling to one side in a sharp motion coupled with a loud pop. That is the classic summer blowout. 

Dead or Weak Batteries 

While it is commonplace to associate the winter season with battery problems, summer poses its own set of challenges. High temperatures often worsen existing corrosion while simultaneously causing electrolyte fluid to evaporate, leading to dead batteries. 

Prevention suggestions: 

• Schedule a battery check before going on summer trips. 
• Clean the terminals and use protective spray on them. 
• Do not park in direct sunlight. 
• Replace batteries older than 3-5 years.

Picture yourself parking your car on the beach for an entire day. At the end of the day, you come back only to find that your car refuses to start. 

Air Conditioning Failures in Summer Heat

Driving in 95-degree weather without air conditioning is unbearably hot. For this reason, summertime tends to be the busiest season for air conditioning repairs due to their overuse. 

The air conditioning system works well in spring, but during summer, it progressively worsens until mid-July, when it only blows warm air. This is a sign of a refrigerant leak or failing compressor. 

Prevention Tips: 

• Service AC during off-peak winter months. 
• Scheduled general maintenance includes yearly inspection for all. 
• Change the cabin air filter regularly. 

Brake Problems Caused by Summer Heat

Drivers must endure the most excruciating driving circumstances in stop-and-go traffic or in hilly areas during the summer. This combination of stop-and-go driving along with steep hills creates fierce brakes, and when roads are hot, even more so. Overheating could lead to excessive wear and tear on braking pads accompanied by boiling brake fluid. 

Prevention suggestions: 

• Replace brake fluid every two to three years. 
• Perform regular inspection on the pads and rotors. 
• Instead of riding brakes while descending, downshift in order to control speed to reduce brake usage.

Hearing squeaks while pressing brakes can serve as an alert for overheating brakes and worn brake components. In these scenarios, a driver would be experiencing the sensation of needing to decelerate while moving through city traffic, particularly in the summer heat. 

Essential Summer Car Maintenance for Smooth Rides

Less prominent maintenance shocks are also capable of saving one hours of waiting for a tow. The summer is an excellent time to:

• Level verification:  Make monthly checks for engine oil, coolant, brake fluids, power steering fluid, and even windscreen washer fluid.
• Inspect Belts and Hoses: Focus on small and big hoses for cracks, leaks or soft worn areas.
• Battery Test: This entails the cleaning of closed battery terminals and securing of corrosion.
• Inspect Tire Condition and Pressure: Ensure proper inflation to recommended PSI and even wear.

Conclusion

Road trips during summer may be funny, and at the same time they are accompanied by automobile issues such as hot engines, flat tires, or faded batteries. Preventive measures such as consistent servicing and being sensitive to the dangers may prevent cases of break down of your car and have it running all throughout the season.

If you are stuck in the road Burnham towing will be ready to assist you 24/7 on jump starts, tire changes and towing. Get in touch with us now and we can give you fast and dependable towing assistance that will get you back on the road.

FAQs