Nobody wants to break down on the road. It’s embarrassing, inconvenient, and can even be expensive if you don’t have roadside services. Cars, trucks, and SUVs commonly break down in the summer heat for the following seven reasons. York Tire & Auto Service can help you if your vehicle breaks down.
Overheating
It’s much easier for a car, truck, or SUV to overheat in the summer because the air is hotter outside. Vehicles draw air through the grille to cool the engine off. The hotter the air the hotter the engine. Avoid overheating in the hot summer sun with a coolant flush now to replenish the crucial fluid.
Dead Battery
Weather affects battery performance. Your vehicle’s battery uses a combination of positive and negative electrodes and fluid to create a chemical reaction that generates power. If the weather is super hot, the heat can dissipate battery fluid and the chemical reaction can corrode the battery.
Leaks
Leaks, especially in the cooling system or oil leaks can easily overheat your vehicle in the summer. Even transmission leaks will cause problems, including the potential for breaking down. It’s important to check your vehicle’s fluid levels regularly to ensure everything is clean and full.
Low Oil
Engine coolant isn’t the only important fluid in your vehicle’s engine; motor oil also has cooling properties. If you have low or dirty motor oil, your engine can overheat. In addition, damaged parts from the insufficient or dirty motor oil can cause catastrophic engine failure.
Belts
If your vehicle’s belts are old and worn, the summer heat could be their last straw. For example, your alternator uses a belt to generate voltage; this belt also works with the AC unit and water pump. Should the belt fail, your vehicle will break down or you won’t be able to start it at all.
Brakes
This is a dangerous one. If your brakes overheat in the summer, you may not be able to stop your car, truck, or SUV. Boiling brake fluid is ineffective and your vehicle cannot stop without brake fluid. Make sure to have the brakes checked if they’re overdue for an inspection.
Tires
Finally, hot summer asphalt can damage your tires if they are weakened, bald, or otherwise compromised. Your engine won’t break down in this case but you might end up with a blown tire. This can cause an accident if you lose driving control of your vehicle.
Stop by York Tire & Auto Service in Red Lion, PA, today for a summer vehicle inspection. You can also call us for an appointment today.
