If you’re daydreaming about taking that much-needed vacation that you didn’t get to take in 2020, we say go for it. Just be sure your car is as ready for summer as you are. Breaking down in the Alabama heat is one summer memory you don’t want to make! Here are 5 of the most common vehicle breakdowns that can happen in the summer.
Overheating
Contrary to common belief, the warmer temps in the summer aren’t the only cause of your vehicle overheating. Several factors could be at play including:
-Coolant leak
-Broken radiator
-Using two different types of coolant
-Faulty thermostat
-Broken water pump (The water pump is supposed to keep your engine cool)
Next time your vehicle breaks down, don’t just blame it on the heat. Check for one of these issues to see if it’s the source of the problem.
Fuel Leak
Another cause of vehicle breakdown during the summer (or any time of year, for that matter) is a fuel leak. As your car gets older, your fuel tank gets older too. When this happens, it will either start to malfunction or spring a leak and fuel might start to drip out of the bottom of your vehicle. If you discover your car has a fuel leak, get it taken care of immediately. It’s not just a waste of gas, it’s also a fire hazard!
Tire blowout
Tires can be incredibly sensitive: a lack of pressure causes your tires to wear out unevenly, but too much pressure causes your tires to burst. The latter is something that may happen more often during the summer because of the heat. Heat causes pressure build-up in your tires, overinflating them and making them blowout. As we go into the summer months, be sure to check your tires and, if needed, adjust them until they reach the recommended pressure.
Broken down AC
Another vehicle breakdown that happens regularly during the summer is a broken-down air conditioning system. This is undoubtedly one of the most dreaded summer breakdowns because no one wants to drive around in the heat without AC. Your AC might break down if the cooling system hasn’t been flushed in a while or there’s not enough coolant in the system. Make sure you get your AC fully serviced by a professional as the days get warmer.
Dead car battery
The older your battery, the greater the risk for a breakdown. This is because old batteries are weaker and put a strain on your engine. Prevent an unecessary breakdown by keeping track of how old your battery is and replacing it when it starts to get old (typically 3-5 years).