It does happen and as the worst luck of all is that the car has a problem when it's least expected! Summer is the best time of the year when everyone gets laid back and have a vacation to recharge. Just like every driver, cars also love to relax, but it entails a few days or two at the shop undergo preventive maintenance of the summer months. The sun is shining, the beaches are beckoning but something's wrong with your car.
It is important to get proactive measures, understand the common car problems caused during the summer. Embarking on a series of maintenance jobs and mechanical repair to fool-proof your ride, from any possible problem is a wise move! An ounce of meds is better than many cures, which means keeping the car well-maintained is important to do!
I. Common car problems during summer
Now, comes what follows; when hot weather does a good number on an automobile and these car problems during summer are really annoying. There are quite a number of them, and most drivers can hope not to get the most serious. Which is similar to winning the bad car problems lotto which might be unfriendly to everyone’s pocket as well? The best, most can hope for is a simple problem that is a quick fix, and not on the road that is very inconvenient too.
1. Overheating
When driving and the temp gauge starts to get higher and the engine starts acting sluggish, and then it means that overheating is happening. Overheating can be avoided; but most of the time, this is a hidden problem and tends to creep up on most drivers, even the experienced ones!
Excessive heat from the engine can make connector housing brittle and other connective ports for sensors. Other effects are making rubber hosing, a bit brittle and will pre-empt radiator problems as well.
Nobody wants to face a problem with an overheated engine
>>> You might like to read: What to do if your car overheats: 10 must-know things for Pinoy drivers
2. Lubing problems
Engine oil keeps moving parts lubricated and keeps metal parts, from grinding at high temperatures while the engine runs. But, this is oft taken for granted and checking the oil level is not done assiduously which is the start of some problems that might lead to engine knocking or something much worse!
Getting a proper oil change and topping off when needed is a basic chore for drivers, but newbie drivers tend to ignore this. Which worsens when hot weather comes around, much of the possible damage can vary depending on the lubrication problems.
Just keep in mind that moving metal parts can deform and become uneven when there isn’t any efficient lubrication. No efficient lubing can prevent the car from running, and with a condition like this then car should not be moved at all!
3. Sensor failure
This is significant because one of the symptoms of poor gas mileage is a sensor failure. A modern car’s ECU controls many functions, especially the Oxygen sensor that detects how much oxygen is introduced during fuel combustion. Getting the right mix of fuel and air is crucial for better fuel efficiency, but sometimes excessive heat can burn it out or partially damage it.
When the mix is not optimized; more carbon is produced that can’t be detected by a faulty oxygen sensor. Achieving the correct mix and amount of oxygen with a functioning sensor can only do this. Without it, the fuel economy and poor air and fuel mix will affect engine performance greatly!
4. Radiator problems
Regulating engine temperatures is done by the radiator that circulates coolant in the water cooling system. This keeps the engine from overheating and keeps it working at a manageable temperature. When it gets hot; there will be many problems that will happen like overheating caused by clogging and dirty coolant! Sometimes, dirty residue builds up on the cooling parts which block water recirculation.
If this happens during a long drive, the car needs to fix or sustain damage caused by excessive heat. These are brittle hoses, holes in the radiation and best of all; that it needs to be replaced which is a headache!
>>> Read more: The Safest Way on How to Put Water in a Car Radiator & Other Essential Facts
Dirty coolant is one of the factors that cause car overheating
5. Misfiring spark plugs
Why should a misfiring or having ignition problems related to spark plug be a sensitive concern? Problems related to this can cause the car, not to start and this will be a problem if it won’t start altogether too. Another problem is engine heat cooks the rubber, which keeps the oil from dampening the contact points.
No spark from the spark plug means no combustion will burn the fuel/air mixture. If it’s too hot; the high tension wire will be too soft or brittle in time. Which will need replacement and soon as possible, if needed urgently. Or the car will not start because the electrical high tension wire is needed for car ignition!
6. Problematic AC caused by drive belts and pulley problems
No matter how cool the AC; sometimes excessive heat will do a number on the air compressor which is connected by drive belts that are rotated by pulleys. Some problems like pulleys not rotating efficiently because the pulley bearing need replacement or the drive-belt is worn or too loose. When this happens the AC air compressor will not cool efficiently, or it needs replacement.
Problems with the AC in the hot summer are really annoyed
7. Weak battery
This usually happens because hot weather can damage car batteries; because the solution dries inside the battery case. The battery plates become brittle, or the belt drive for the alternator is brittle or loose. This is the easiest to deal with because a simple replacement can be done with ease.
8. Damaged drive belts/fan belts
The engine run by having a bunch of pulleys rotating drive belts that move, mechanical parts by rotating them. Without them; the car’s major parts won’t run!
What happens when drive belt broken off
II. Tips to prevent car problems in the summer
Now, there are solutions to prevent car problems during the summer, which can be a downer too. They are easy to do.
- Have the overheating checked at a radiator shop, fix all problems and don’t wait!
- Make all oil changes regular or top off the engine when needed.
- If the red engine goes on, better have it checked and it might be the oxygen sensor that causes it.
- If water is pooling under the radiator, there’s a hole somewhere and have it checked and fixed.
- Take the spark plugs out and check high tension wire, have all parts replaced if need.
- Have the air compressor checked, and all the pulleys and drive belts, replace what’s needed.
- Replace or charge the battery, whichever is the best solution to the problem.
- All frayed and loose belts should be replaced by new ones, or be sorry later.
Having a proper oil change is a basic chore for drivers to avoid lubrication problems
Most of them are DIY; but the more serious ones are best done by professional mechanic and technician, don’t cheap out or be sorry later.
Maintaining a car during the summer months can be a bit tedious, especially when it’s this time of the year. Going places and traveling non-stop to vacation spots; will take its toll on the wear and tear of a car. Compared to wet weather; the heat will affect many car systems especially the cooling system which is important too.
Overall, when car problems during the summer strike it can be a mixed bag to deal with. Getting all the useful car maintenance tips and other to-dos should get a car into tip-top condition!
