Car maintenance tips in the summer season A complete guide to prevent car breakdowns in hot weather
For many drivers, the summer season is a reminder of travel, roads, vacations and more car use; But besides these advantages, the heat of the air puts a lot of pressure on different parts of the car. Increasing engine temperature, decreasing battery performance, increasing pressure on tires, decreasing the efficiency of the cooler, and even damaging the car's paint and cabin are all problems that are more common in the summer. For this reason, getting to know car maintenance tips in the summer season is not just a general recommendation, but a necessity to prevent costly breakdowns.
Many of the breakdowns that occur on hot days of the year seem sudden; But in fact, they are the result of neglecting a few simple points in car maintenance. If the driver checks a few important parts of the car before the start of summer or before long trips, he can prevent the car from boiling, battery sleep, tire burst, air conditioner failure, and even severe engine wear.
In this article from Amadad Khodro Naji Anzali, we will fully and practically examine what parts of the car you should pay attention to in the summer season, what mistakes cause the car to break down in hot weather, and how to increase the life of important car parts in this season.
Why is car maintenance more important in summer?
Extreme heat does not only tire the driver and passengers; This heat directly affects the performance of car parts. The engine is harder to cool in the summer, the cooler system works under more pressure, the tires are more vulnerable to damage due to the high temperature of the asphalt, and the battery may weaken earlier than usual.
Simply put, summer is the season when several important car systems are under pressure:
- Engine cooling system
- Battery and electrical system
- Cooler and ventilation
- Tires
- Engine oil and fluids
- Plastic and rubber parts
- Body color and cabin interior
For this reason, if the car is used in this season without inspection and service, the possibility of breakdown on the road or in the city increases
The most important points of car maintenance in the summer season
1. Take the car cooling system seriously
The most important part to check in the summer is the engine cooling system. If this system does not work properly, the engine temperature rises and the car boils. Boiling the car is not just a temporary stop; In severe cases, it can damage the cylinder head gasket, cylinder head and even the engine.
What should be checked in the cooling system?
- Radiator water level and expansion tank
- Antifreeze/antifreeze health
- Radiator fan operation
- Thermostat health
- No leaks in hoses and connections
- Radiator cleanliness and proper air passage
Important point
Some drivers think that antifreeze is only for winter, while standard antifreeze in summer also plays an important role in controlling engine temperature and preventing corrosion of the cooling system.
2. Before the summer trip, test the car air conditioner
On hot days, the car air conditioner is not just a comfort option; On long journeys, driving without an air conditioner can reduce the driver's concentration and increase fatigue. If the car's air conditioner is weakened, the wind blows hot, or it makes an unusual noise, it is better to check it before the extreme heat starts.
Signs that the cooler needs service
- Not properly cooling the cabin
- Unpleasant smell when the air conditioner is turned on
- Lots of noise from the compressor or fan
- Weak wind throw
- Unusual turning on and off of the air conditioner
What should we do to maintain the cooler better?
- Replace the cabin filter in time.
- Check the cooler gas if needed.
- Keep the cooler condenser clean.
- If the cooler is weak, service it before the trip.
3. Check the tire pressure regularly in the summer
One of the common mistakes of drivers in the summer is not paying attention to the condition of the tires. The high temperature of the air and the heat of the asphalt surface causes the pressure inside the tire to change. If the tire is over-inflated or worn, the risk of it bursting on long routes increases.
Why is summer important for tires?
- Hot asphalt raises the tire temperature.
- Long trips in the summer are more frequent.
- Inappropriate wind pressure causes abnormal wear and increases fuel consumption.
Important tips about tires in the summer season
- Inflate the tires according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Also check the spare tire.
- Check the tire tread depth.
- Take seriously any cracks, bulges or uneven tire wear.
- Check the tire pressure after a long drive.
4. Do not underestimate the health of the battery
Many people think that the battery becomes a problem only in winter, but the fact is that extreme heat is also one of the main factors of reducing the life of the car battery. High temperature can cause battery water to evaporate, performance drop and power system weakening.
Signs that the battery needs to be checked
- Poor start
- Lights dimming
- Hard to start the car
- Battery sleeping after several hours of stopping
- Long battery life
If the car battery has been working for several years and the car starts weak on hot days, it is better to test it so that you don't face the problem of the car not starting in the middle of the road or in traffic.
5. Check engine oil and other vehicle fluids before extreme heat
In the summer season, the car engine works under more pressure and the quality of the used fluids becomes more important. If the engine oil is old or its level is low, the lubrication of the parts will not be done properly and the depreciation of the engine will increase.
Fluids to check in summer
- Engine oil
- Radiator water/coolant
- Brake oil
- Hydraulic steering oil
- Washer water
- Gearbox oil if needed
Why is this important?
Because in the heat, any small weakness in the lubrication or cooling system shows itself much faster and may turn into a bigger failure.
6. Keep the windshield wiper and windshield washer ready for summer
Maybe at first glance, the wiper is more related to winter and rain, but it is also important in summer; Especially on coastal roads, dusty roads or when insects and dirt accumulate on the glass.
Why should we check this section?
- The driver's vision must be clear during summer trips.
- Dry and worn blades may scratch the glass.
- Lack of windshield washer water becomes troublesome on long journeys.
7. Do not leave the car unattended under the scorching sun
The summer heat does not only damage the technical parts of the car; The cabin and body of the car are also subject to damage. Long-term exposure of the car under direct sunlight can cause the dashboard to turn pale, the plastic parts to dry, the cabin to overheat and even reduce the life of some internal parts.
What to do to protect the car from the sun?
- Park in the shade as much as possible.
- Use the windshield sunshade.
- Have a suitable seat and steering wheel cover.
- Do not leave spray bottles, lighters, low-quality power banks or heat-sensitive items inside the car.
- If the car stays in the sun for a long time, ventilate the cabin for a few minutes before driving.
8. Be more sensitive to car smells and unusual signs in the summer
Hot weather causes some car problems to show themselves sooner. If you feel a burning smell, antifreeze smell, gasoline smell or an unpleasant smell from the air conditioner in the summer, it is better to take the matter seriously.
Smells that should not be ignored
- Sweet and specific smell: Possible coolant leak
- Burning smell: Problem with the belt, oiling or excessive pressure on parts
- Gasoline smell: Possible leak in the fuel system
- Mold smell from the cooler: Pollution in the ventilation system or cabin filter
9. Change your driving style in the summer
Car maintenance is not limited to servicing and checking parts; Your driving style has a direct effect on the health of your car in hot weather.
Behaviors that put more pressure on the car in the summer
- Long driving with high engine speed
- Stopping and sudden movements in traffic with the air conditioner on
- Carrying a heavy load in very hot weather
- Leaving the car in stationary mode for a long time
- Ignoring the water meter and warning signs
It is better in summer:
- Drive with a balanced engine speed.
- In heavy traffic, monitor the condition of the water amp.
- If the car shows signs of overheating, check it immediately.
- Check the condition of the car before a long trip.
10. Have a summer car checklist
One of the best ways to avoid car breakdowns in the hot season is to have a simple and practical checklist and review it before your trip or every few weeks.
Summer car maintenance checklist
Essential checks before summer travel
- Radiator and antifreeze water level
- Fan and cooling system health
- Cooler status
- Tyre pressure
- Spare tire health
- Engine oil level
- Battery status
- Washer water
- Lights operation
- Inspect essential tools inside the car
If you check these things before the trip, the chances of you encountering a sudden breakdown on the way will be much less.
Common mistakes of drivers in car maintenance in summer
Some seemingly small mistakes turn out to be costly in the summer. These are among the most common errors:
1. Pay attention to the radiator only when the car boils
Many drivers do not check the cooling system until the car boils.
2. Using normal water instead of proper coolant
This work can eventually cause corrosion and reduce the efficiency of the cooling system.
3. Neglecting the spare tire
In summer trips, the health of the spare tire is as important as the original tires.
4. Not servicing the cooler until it completely fails
If the cooler is weakened, it is better to check it before the heat peak, not when it is completely out of order.
5. Continue driving with high water amp
This is one of the most costly mistakes drivers make this summer.
What to do if the car has a problem in the summer?
Despite all care, the car may still have problems in the summer heat. If you encounter problems in Anzali port, surrounding roads, Anzali free zone, or intercity routes, such as car boiling, dead battery, flat tire, car not starting, or breakdown on the road, it is better to use reliable emergency services.
Naji Anzali car rescue service in the summer season
Naji Anzali Car Assistance can provide the following services when the car has problems in the heat:
- Battery to battery on site
- Battery replacement
- Puncture repair and tire replacement
- Basic car troubleshooting
- Truck to transport broken down cars
- Rescue on the roads around Anzali
Contact Naji Anzali car rescue
Frequently asked questions about car maintenance in the summer season
What is the most important part of the car that should be checked in the summer?
The cooling system, including the radiator, fan, thermostat and coolant level, is the most important part to check in the summer.
Does the summer heat damage the car battery?
Yes, extreme heat can reduce battery life and cause it to degrade in performance.
Should the tire pressure be higher in the summer?
No, the air pressure should be adjusted as recommended by the car manufacturer. Winds that are too high or too low are both problematic.
What to do if the car boils in summer?
Stop the car in a safe place, turn off the engine and do not open the radiator door until it cools down. Then apply for a specialized review.
summary
Observing car maintenance tips in the summer season is not just to avoid breakdowns during the trip; This work helps to reduce vehicle depreciation, increase the life of parts, improve safety and reduce repair costs. In the hot days of the year, the greatest pressure is placed on the cooling system, battery, tires, cooler, and car fluids. If you check these parts in time, the possibility of sudden car breakdown will be significantly reduced.
If on hot summer days in Anzali port or nearby routes, you encounter problems such as boiling the car, sleeping battery, flat tire, or the car not starting, Amadad Khodro Naji Anzali is ready to provide rescue and car towing services.