Similar to the winter having an effect on your car, the summer and its intense heat (especially in Arizona) play a big role in impacting your ride. From battery failures to tire pressure changes and more, hot, summer months will certainly affect your car. Just like every good vehicle owner who wants to ensure their car lasts a long time, you need to be vigilant for potential summer car problems.
In this article, the Performance Muffler team will identify some issues most vehicle owners will encounter during the grueling, hot summer. More importantly, we’ll offer tips to help keep you and your family safe as you navigate the heat. And as always, if you ever suspect you’re having an issue with your car, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced crew for a free quote.
Car Battery
Most people might not suspect this, but the extreme heat can cause problems for your car battery. Chemical processes are hindered from the heat, so it can be difficult for your battery to hold a charge and produce sufficient power. Plus, battery fluid can evaporate more quickly from the heat. So, we recommend periodically checking your battery’s life and carrying jumper cables in case you need a jump-start.
Tire Pressure
Folks often get ready to check their tire pressure during the winter months, but the truth is all changes in temperature affect tire pressure. When tire pressure diminishes, the tires will wear unevenly and possibly blowout. That’s why you should have a tire pressure gauge and portable air compressor to combat any tire pressure issues.
Trouble Starting Your Car
In severe heat, your car can also struggle to start due to fuel issues. Fuel doesn’t circulate well when your engine is too hot. A few simple tricks can help you prevent this problem. Parking your car in a garage or in the shade will keep it significantly cooler. Additionally, maintaining your car’s coolants and fluids will ensure it functions properly in spite of the heat.
Windshield Trouble
With the summertime comes more driving activity. And with more driving activity, the chances of a cracked windshield increase. Once your car gets a crack in the windshield, the intense heat (paired with changing temperatures with shade or at night) will exacerbate the issue. This results in a crack expanding more quickly in the summer. Be cautious as you drive this summer and get any windshield dent or crack fixed quickly.
Other Valuable Summer Tips for Your Vehicle
Be on top of your oil change. The oil in your engine can thin when the weather outside is extremely hot. So, this means your car will have increased friction and potential engine damage as a result. As a good rule of thumb, you should change your car’s oil every 5,000 to 7,5000 miles. But it’s especially important as the weather changes and we experience hotter days. If you also need help checking your car’s oil, we offer help here in a blog.
Top off fluids. Fluids for your vehicle don’t just lubricate but also help to keep everything cool. Continuous replenishment of fluids will decrease any probability of overheating or breakdown issues. There can be many fluids to keep in mind, including brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
Pay attention to your car’s AC. While not pivotal to your car’s performance, a decaying or broken AC system can make any summer drive hot and uncomfortable. Test how your system is working when you have free time so you don’t end up stuck in traffic one day in July as the weather reaches triple digits.
Let Performance Muffler Help Keep Your Car Running – Contact for a Free Quote
If you notice any problems with your vehicle, don’t let them sit and grow worse. Any prompt car treatment is the best treatment. Performance Muffler can help with exhaust repairs & replacements, catalytic converter services, cat-back exhaust systems, and more.
Contact us for a free quote to transform your vehicle.
About Performance Muffler
Performance Muffler is more than just automotive tips and tricks on our blog, we have been proud to be a top custom car shop in the Phoenix area since 2007. We’re confident our results speak for themselves in our consistent, repeat customers. That’s why only real car lovers can do work this good!