You are out on the road, windows down, favourite music playing, and the beautiful mountains right in front of you. Amazing right? Everything feels perfect until suddenly, out of nowhere, your engine starts steaming. Or your AC stops working. Or worse, your car won’t start at all. Just like that, your fun summer day turns into a stressful one.
A breakdown in the middle of a hot day isn’t just frustrating, it can easily mess up your whole schedule. And let’s be honest, no one wants to be stuck on the side of the road in the heat. That’s why it is so important to take care of your vehicle before the heat hits hard. Let’s have a look at the most common car problems people face during summer and, more importantly, how you can avoid them.
Issue 1: Overheating Engines
Your engine runs hotter during summer. If your coolant is low or your radiator is clogged, overheating is almost inevitable.
How to avoid it:
- Check coolant levels monthly.
- Have your radiator flushed and refilled every 30,000 miles.
- Inspect hoses for cracks and leaks by top-quality engine services.
Issue 2: Dead or Weak Batteries
Heat speeds up the chemical reaction inside your battery, which can result in corrosion or shortened battery life.
How to avoid it:
- Test your battery during every oil change.
- Keep terminals clean and tight.
- Replace batteries older than 3 years.
Issue 3: Air Conditioning Problems
If you are using your AC more, it can really affect the system. If there is a leak or low refrigerant, it won’t cool properly or might stop working altogether.
How to avoid it:
- Get your AC system inspected before peak summer.
- Recharge the refrigerant as needed.
Issue 4: Tire Blowouts
Hot roads and old or low tires are a really bad combination. As you drive, the heat builds up and can make your tires pop.
How to avoid it:
- Check tire pressure monthly (including the spare).
- Rotate your tires every 5,000–7,500 miles.
- Replace tires with low tread before the summer road trips begin.
Issue 5: Fuel System Issues
Modern engines may not suffer from vapor lock like older cars, but hot weather can still impact performance if the fuel system isn’t maintained. Clogged filters or small leaks can make your vehicle feel shaky or slow.
How to Avoid It:
Make sure your fuel lines are clear and check the fuel system for any leaks. Changing the fuel filter on time also helps your engine run smoother.
Issue 6: Transmission Overheating
Heat affects your transmission fluid. When it gets too hot, it can’t lubricate or cool your transmission properly.
How to avoid it:
- Check transmission fluid levels regularly.
- Follow your car manual for when to change the fluid.
- If you tow heavy stuff a lot, think about adding a transmission cooler to keep things from overheating. For that you need to contact professional transmission services.
Issue 7: Worn-Out Wiper Blades
Sun exposure breaks down the rubber, making your blades crack, split, or leave streaks. Not great when a summer storm hits.
How to avoid it:
- Replace your wiper blades every 6 months.
- Park in the shade or use a windshield cover when possible.
Conclusion: Prevent Now, Save Later
Summer can be tough on your car, but most problems can be avoided with a little care and regular checks. It is always better (and cheaper) to prevent issues than to deal with a breakdown.
At Applewood Auto Care, we can help you stay road-ready all summer long. From coolant checks and battery tests to AC inspections and tire service, we can help you with everything. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call to schedule your appointment today. Keep your vehicle running cool. No surprises, No stress!
