Summer’s here, and the last thing you want is car trouble ruining your road trips and sunny day errands. Let’s dive into the most common summer car problems and how to stay cool on the road.
5 Things to Watch Out for This Summer
Engine Overheating
The extreme heat can really run a number on your car’s engine. It can get so hot that the cooling system can’t keep up, and before you know it, things get toasty fast! What’s happening here is that the coolant system is failing to regulate the engine’s temperature.
How Do I Fixit?
Coolant Issues: Keep an eye on your coolant levels and top it off regularly. If you’re using more coolant than you should, get your engine checked for leaks in the coolant lines. Check for rust, mineral buildup, a malfunctioning water pump, and radiator issues, which we’ll get to in a second.
Faulty Radiator: If your car radiator is busted, your engine will start to overheat and give you a real headache. So, when running a maintenance check, look for clogs, leaks, or faulty radiation fins.
Regular Maintenance Checks: Don’t wait for your car to break down to have to run an inspection. Stay ahead of potential breakdowns by scheduling a regular maintenance check at Fixit45, where you can easily arrange a pickup or visit any of our 5-star rated auto repair shops.
Air Conditioning Troubles
Picture this. You’re out shopping on a hot day at the flea market, and you return to your car only to find your AC isn’t working. Scary, right?
Leaks in the refrigerant are common issues that can cause your AC to stop working. Damage or corrosion in AC components, such as the compressor and refrigerant lines, can also lead to troubles. Get your system checked out to keep those cool breezes flowing!
How Do I Fixit?
Air Conditioning Compressor: Common symptoms of compressor issues during the summer months include loud, rattling noises coming out of your AC. This might happen if there’s a faulty clutch or damaged pistons.
Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker ensures your electrical circuits are protected from damage caused by excess current. If your air conditioning unit has started to reduce cooling performance, it may be because of a fault in the compressor.
Tire Blowouts
The sharp contrast in temperature between the summer heat during the daytime and a drop in temperatures at night causes tire troubles. High temperatures can cause your tires to underinflate or overinflate, harming the stability of your vehicle. Wear and tear are also common problems in extreme heat, which can risk your safety.
How Do I Fixit?
Regular Tire Maintenance: Regular tire inspection is essential year-round, especially in the hot summer temperature. If you need tire replacement and inspection services, call 08061440051 to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Tire Pressure: For your safety and your car’s fuel efficiency, inflate all tires to the recommended PSI. Your vehicle manual should have specific PSI recommendations for your car.
Battery Issues
Summer heat can zap your battery’s power! The average lifespan of car batteries for most cars is 3 to 5 years. This is why regularly inspecting your car battery is crucial.
How Do I Fixit?
Check for Corrosion: Ensure all the plastic pieces aren’t damaged and check for rust or corrosion. Corrosion can prematurely shorten the lifespan of your battery and minimize its performance.
Carry Jumper Cables. Imagine the anguish of going on a summer road trip only to find out your battery is dead midway. Jumper cables can come in handy in such a situation since they can help you jumpstart your car and get you back on the road.
Broken Serpentine Belt
Serpentine belts typically have a 60,000 to 100,000-mile lifespan for most cars before they need to be replaced. If you can’t remember when you last changed your drive belt, it’s best to contact a Fixit45 professional to inspect it for you. Symptoms of a broken serpentine belt may include a difficult-to-turn steering wheel, increased engine temperatures, dimming headlights, or a malfunctioning radio.
How Do I Fixit?
Wear and Tear: Serpentine belts can naturally wear out with use. Even when not in use, they are exposed to the atmosphere and will degrade. Excessive heat and exposure to friction and tension can cause the rubber to crack. Run regular checks to make sure that your serpentine belt is in good condition.
Keep Engine Bay Clean and Lubricated: One of the best ways to do this is by maintaining a clean and well-lubricated engine bay. However, it’s important to avoid applying any lubricant directly to the belt, as this can cause it to slip and damage.
Don’t Sweat It! Keep It Cool With Fixit
With a little know-how and some proactive care, you can keep your car cool, calm, and collected all summer long. Most car-related issues in the summer season stem from the neglect of running regular inspections. At Fixit45, we understand how time-consuming it can be to run regular maintenance checks which is why we offer fast pickup auto repair services where we pick your car up, inspect it, and Fixit before you know it. Beat the heat this summer with Fixit45.
