Repairing Your Common Car Problems

Summer is a great time for road trips and outdoor adventures, but it can also be tough on your car. Not surprisingly, there are many auto repairs that car owners will need when their vehicles are put under the strain of intense summer heat.

Air Conditioning System Malfunctions

A malfunctioning air conditioning system makes driving in the summer unbearable. A refrigerant leak is a common issue for auto air conditioning systems. The refrigerant cools the air in the system, and it can not function correctly when low. Another cause of malfunctions is a clogged air filter, which can prevent air from flowing through the system. In addition to causing immediate performance issues, clogged air filters can also strain the system to the point of suffering further damage.

Overheating Engines

Your engine will generate vast amounts of heat when it is running. Unfortunately, hot weather can further add to this heat, which can cause the vehicle to overheat. An engine that is overheating can be at risk of experiencing catastrophic damage as a result. For example, excessive heat could cause engine blocks to warp or crack. Additionally, it can even melt the electronic components that are found in modern engines.

To catch overheating as soon as possible, drivers should develop the habit of regularly checking the engine temperature gauge on their dashboards. If your engine is consistently running hot according to this gauge, a professional evaluation is needed before the engine suffers significant damage.

Battery Issues

Battery problems can leave your vehicle inoperable. While car batteries can last for years, they are more prone to experiencing issues during summer. The intense heat can cause the battery to degrade more quickly and struggle to retain a charge. These issues can be especially impactful to older batteries because of the wear and use they have already experienced. During the spring months, you should test your battery to determine whether the time is approaching for it to be replaced. You can help extend your car battery's life by keeping the terminals clean. This helps to ensure electricity flows efficiently through the battery. In addition to minimizing the draw on the battery, it also helps ensure it recharges quickly.

Summer can be challenging for your car because the heat and humidity can cause various mechanical and electrical problems. Regular maintenance, including checks of the air conditioning system, cooling system, and battery, can help prevent these issues from occurring. Being vigilant about these performance issues can allow you to catch them before they cause widespread damage. 

Contact an auto repair shop for more info.


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