When it comes to seasonal vehicle troubles, winter often gets all the blame. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures make for some miserable driving conditions. But the truth is, summer can be just as brutal—if not worse—on your vehicle. Sweltering temperatures, relentless sun, and long road trips can wreak havoc on critical components like tires, fluids, batteries, and air conditioning systems. As we approach the summer season this month, we look at why your vehicle might struggle more in summer than in winter.
Tire Trouble: Heat = Pressure Fluctuations
Hot pavement and soaring temperatures can make your tires’ air pressure fluctuate. When the weather heats up, the air inside your tires expands, which can lead to overinflation and uneven wear. Combine this with driving on scorching asphalt, and there is a higher risk of blowouts—especially if your tires are already worn down. Checking your tire pressure regularly during summer is a must to avoid unnecessary wear and sudden failures.
Fluids: Evaporation & Breakdown
Just like your body needs more hydration in summer, your vehicle’s fluids are also under stress. Brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid are all sensitive to extreme heat. High temperatures can cause fluids to evaporate or degrade faster, which can lead to overheating, poor lubrication, and even engine damage. Make sure all fluid levels are topped off and changed at recommended intervals, especially before long summer road trips.
Battery Struggles: Heat Speeds Up Wear
Most people associate dead batteries with winter, but hot weather can be even more damaging. Heat accelerates chemical reactions inside the battery, which can cause it to lose charge faster and even shorten its lifespan. Intense temperatures also increase corrosion on battery terminals, leading to poor connectivity. If your battery is over three years old, have it tested before summer kicks in to avoid unexpected failures.
Air Conditioning: Harder Work & Higher Risk of Failure
Your vehicle’s air conditioning system works harder in the summer, and all that extra strain can expose existing weaknesses. Leaks, worn-out components, or low refrigerant levels may not be noticeable until the AC is pushed to its limit. If your AC is not cooling as well as it used to, it could be a sign that you need a recharge or repairs before the real heat wave arrives.
While winter brings ice and snow-related challenges, summer has its own set of vehicle stressors. To keep your vehicle running smoothly in hot weather, pay attention to your tire pressure, fluid levels, battery health, and air conditioning system. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way in surviving the summer heat—without turning your road trips into a series of breakdowns. Want to have your vehicle checked before temperatures soar? Contact the service professionals at Shade Tree Garage to schedule an appointment.