You might love the summer heat, but chances are, your car isn’t a fan of rising temperatures. While vehicles are designed to withstand all kinds of temperature and weather conditions, high heat can cause a number of issues with your car. Extreme temperatures can take a toll on many of your vehicle’s systems and are associated with a higher occurrence of car trouble while you’re out on the road. While you can’t eliminate the risk of heat-related mechanical problems entirely, you can take steps to make sure your car is ready to hit the road without any major complications. Here are some tips from an auto repair shop in Madison, TN:
- Gas: You might notice that your vehicle’s fuel efficiency seems to decline when it’s hot outside. That is because the hotter temperatures cause a faster rate of fuel evaporation. You can’t really avoid this while you’re out driving during the summer, but you can reduce excessive evaporation by making sure that your vehicle is parked in the shade or a garage to keep it cool when you’re not driving.
- Coolant: It’s always important to keep your coolant levels in check, but the combination of low coolant and high heat can spell disaster. Without sufficient coolant, temperatures in your engine will rise and you risk overheating and engine failure. It’s important to keep up on regular maintenance during the summer to keep all of your fluids topped off and to check for leaks in your hoses that might be draining your coolant.
- Tires: Your tires are made of rubber, which can become weaker in high temperatures. While newer tires aren’t as likely to be affected by hot weather, tires that already have low tread or other issues are at an increased risk of blowing out or becoming damaged.
- Battery: Your car battery has some water in it, and higher temperatures can cause this water to evaporate. When that happens, the lead plates in your battery become exposed and your battery may become inactive. You can avoid a dead battery in the summer by regularly checking your battery charge and replacing it as necessary. Parking your car in the shade can also help prevent evaporation.
- Oil: Oil helps lubricate your engine, which is essential in the summer heat. Get an oil change at an auto repair shop in Madison, TN this summer and make sure to keep an eye out for oil leaks that need to be repaired.
Whether you want a tune-up before a summer road trip or your concerned about your car’s mechanical performance, the certified technicians here at Madison Muffler & Auto Repair are here to help. Since 2006, we’ve been a trusted provider of exhaust repair, performance upgrades, oil changes, tire replacement, transmission repair and auto electrical services. Our goal is to keep your vehicle performing well for years to come, and to offer upgrades that allow you to get the most out of your ride. To find out more about our rates or to schedule a service appointment, give us a call.