How Does Summer Heat Affect Your Car’s Overall Performance?
Summer’s scorching heat can impact your car’s entire performance. Hot air can decrease engine efficiency, which leads to sluggish acceleration and higher fuel consumption. The heat also puts extra strain on your cooling systems, increasing the risk of overheating if not maintained. By following some key maintenance practices, you can ensure your car maintains optimal performance, safety and fuel efficiency throughout the summer months.
Summer Car Maintenance Tips:
Battery: Did you know? Summer heat can be a silent thief, accelerating the decline of your car’s battery life. While we often associate a dead battery with a cold winter day, it is the heat that can be detrimental. The issue may not become apparent until winter, potentially leaving you stranded. By having the battery checked during the summer, you not only avoid issues in the current season but also prevent potential problems in the upcoming winter. This simple precaution can save you from a lot of hassle and inconvenience. Stop at your local Monro store for a free ConfiDrive Performance Review that includes a free battery check!
Tires: A change in temperature means a change in tire pressure. Tires also lose a small amount of air over time. Ensuring the correct tire pressure improves braking performance, handling and maximizes fuel economy during those summer road trips while reducing tread wear. We recommend checking the air pressure once a month. The correct tire pressure is in the owner’s manual or on the vehicle’s placard or you can swing by your local Monro store, and we will check and correct the pressure for you.
Engine Oil: High temperature thins out the engine oil, making it less effective at lubricating moving parts. This can lead to increased friction and decreased fuel efficiency. It’s crucial to follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals, especially before summer.
AC System: We all love our air conditioning, especially during the hot weather. Today’s vehicles A/C systems are sealed much more tightly than older models, but if your A/C is not working properly, your vehicle might be low on refrigerant due to a leak and require service. Need help diagnosing your malfunctioning A/C? At Monro we use state-of-the-art equipment to assure an accurate diagnosis the first time on your vehicle.
Cooling System: The vehicle’s air conditioning keeps us cool, but the vehicle relies on its cooling system to keep it from getting too hot. The water pump circulates the coolant around the engine to capture the vehicle’s heat and then sends it to the radiator for cooling. It is important that your vehicle’s cooling system is operating properly during hot weather or extreme heat. Oftentimes, if your cooling system is low on coolant, it may cause an overheating issue. Unfortunately, an overheating issue can lead to engine damage, so it is critical that the system is full. If your vehicle is low on coolant, fill it with the correct type according to your owner’s manual, or a technician at Monro will be happy to help.
In addition to coolant levels, other things like obstructed airflow, a failing water pump, or a slipping belt could also cause an overheating issue.
Brakes: It is a great time to think about your vehicle’s brakes, with many families enjoying the summer with a road trip, and increasing vehicle use with additional activities. Ensuring the braking system functions properly provides safety and peace of mind.
Windshield Wipers: Many people do not think about their windshield wipers’ performance until they affect their visibility during a rainstorm. Good wipers, along with a topped-off windshield washer reservoir, will ensure you can see when you need it the most. Summer is also the time for splattered bugs on your windshield. Upgrade your washer fluid to a formula designed to cut through these insects more effectively, ensuring a clear view and a safer drive.
Planning a Summer Road Trip?
If you are planning a summer road trip, our ConfiDrive® Performance Review is not just a good idea—it is a smart move. More importantly, it provides peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is in top shape and ready for the journey. If you need help finding a convenient location or scheduling an appointment, click here.
