Cars and heat don’t necessarily get along. Of course, we all picture ourselves in the convertible, bombing it down the coast, sun bouncing off our shades with the heat of the tarmac radiating on our skin. What we don’t generally imagine is that the beating sun might cause technical malfunctions or breakdowns that leave us stranded in the heat for hours on end.
With British summers getting hotter year on year, it’s important to understand how the heat can result in car breakdowns and malfunctions. This blog will expand on how the heat can impact a car’s operational capacity. We’ll also offer some solutions and measures drivers can take to stay on the road all summer, from getting cheap breakdown cover to keeping your car cool when stationary.
Can cars overheat in hot weather?
In short, yes, they can. The most common breakdown associated with summer is likely to be an engine overheating. This is because the engine and cooling system have to work harder, leading to low coolant levels. Radiator faults, faulty thermostats and damaged water pumps can also impact the flow of coolant.
Make sure to keep an eye out for signs like:
- The temperature gauge rising to red
- Steam rising from the bonnet
- Radiator-related warning lights on the dashboard
And it doesn’t start and end in the engine, with cars and heat being something of a recipe for various failures.
Battery failures
Temperatures high and low can impact your car’s battery performance. While many associate freezing temperatures with battery failure, the increased demand of air conditioning and fluid evaporation of summer can similarly overload the battery’s abilities. Look out for slow engine starts or flickering internal/external lights.
It’s worth noting that these failures can extend to the alternator as well, with the two parts working together generally.
Air conditioning issues
A malfunctioning A/C unit will make summer driving extremely uncomfortable, while also being a warning sign for more severe issues. If the A/C starts to fail, check for leaks, lack of refrigerant or a clogged condenser. No one wants to be shot in the face with smelly, hot air during the dead of summer.
Tyre damage
The heat of the road can put some pressure on your tyres, especially if they’re under or over-inflated. Even “correct” pressure from cooler days can result in over-inflation, leading to blowouts and punctures. You might also be loaded up for the summer holidays, increasing the weight on the tyres themselves.
How to keep a car cool in summer
Some tips for keeping your car cool throughout the hotter months of the year, mitigating the breakdowns and managing breakdowns include:
- Parking in the shade
- Installing tinted windows
- Covering the dashboard when parked
- Properly maintaining your A/C
- Checking fluid levels
- Enact tyre checks
- Setting up a breakdown cover policy in case of emergencies
For more insights into vehicular issues and breakdown cover plans, visit our website today! Stay happy on the road this summer.