Most of us look forward to the warm, summer months each year. Summer often means vacations, road trips and other enjoyable outdoor activities. The summer heat can also put additional strain on vehicles, though. Let’s take a look at four of the most common summertime auto issues and how you can prevent them from causing you headaches this summer.
Dead Battery
Battery problems are often associated with cold weather during the winter months, but summer temperatures also strain a battery. Unfortunately, the first warning of a bad battery is often when the car will not start. Batteries should be inspected periodically to look for signs of corrosion on the terminals or top of the battery, as well as symptoms of swelling or leakage. A mechanic can also test your battery to see if it needs to be replaced. Replacing your car battery every few years as part of a preventative maintenance program can also ensure you don’t end up stranded with a dead battery this summer.
Overheating
The cooling system in cars works hard all year to maintain a safe operating temperature. Summer driving will quickly strain a cooling system that is in need of service, and may result in the engine overheating. Preventative maintenance, like coolant system flushes and replacing damaged or old hoses, can help to prevent overheating problems during summer. Driving with an overheated engine can result in serious engine damage, so be sure to stop as soon as possible if your engine does begin to overheat.
Tires
Summer temperatures mean that tires can become very hot during normal driving. Tires that are worn or cracked from dry rot are at particular risk of failing during summer driving. In addition to inspecting tires for signs of wear or damage, be sure that the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Underinflated tires will become even hotter than normal and may blow out while driving. Read even more about avoiding summer tire failures in this blog post.
Engine Surging or Hesitating
Some problems like surging or hesitating of the engine can be caused by a number of issues. One common problem is a dirty air filter. Air filters that are dirty or plugged can cause the engine to get less air than it needs. Exhaust gas recirculation problems can also trigger drivability issues. These types of problems may cause further damage if not corrected, and may also create unsafe driving conditions.
If your vehicle runs into any issues this summer, AV Bumper to Bumper is here to help. We’ve been meeting the auto repair and machine shop needs of our customers since 1980 and are standing by to help you with your auto. Call us at 661-949-1999 today to schedule an appointment for your vehicle.
