Everything from flash storms to high heat levels and long drives can have an impact on your car over the summer. We often think that winter is the worst time for everything on four wheels but that’s not always the case.
At White’s Bodyworks, we regularly see common car issues that are linked to the warmer weather.
It’s not just down to the heat of the sun, however. For instance, we’re more likely to have longer drives, heading out to holidays, than during the winter. Motorists often forget the basics such as checking tyres and oil and making sure that all-important air conditioning is working before they start a long journey.
Here we look at the most common car problems that tend to happen more in summer.
It’s quite easy for engines to overheat even in a country like the UK. If you’re stuck in a tailback over the bank holiday weekend, this can be even more likely. The days are getting hotter because of climate change and the risk of prolonged sunny periods is growing. While this is great for those going on holiday, there is a downside when it comes to your car, especially for older vehicles.
Make sure that your cooling fan is working properly and that the coolant is topped up properly. If you’re going on a long journey, it’s worth having your car checked out by a qualified mechanic to make sure there are no problems.
We often get out and about more during the hotter summer months and that can cause greater wear and tear on engine parts. The biggest strain gets put on areas like the clutch which can be affected by sitting in slow-moving traffic or towing an extra weight like a caravan. Driving on unfamiliar roads also means that we are likely to use the clutch more.
If you find that the pedal is feeling heaving or you can sense a higher clutch bite, it’s worth having things checked out especially if you’re planning a long journey.
Tyres can be affected by high road temperatures. If there’s a minor fault such as cracking in the tread this can get worse during the hotter weather. One of the big problems for motorists is tyre pressure. We tend not to check it regularly enough and that can mean we’re driving along on underinflated tyres. Extra weight in the car when we’re off on our holidays can also make a difference.
It’s a good idea to check your tyre pressure at least every couple of weeks and ensure that your wheels stay in tip-top condition. Tyre tread can also be an issue, especially if there are flash floods or storms over the summer.
Winter does put stress on car batteries, especially for older vehicles, but so does the summer. This can be a problem if you have an older battery because extreme temperature changes can make a difference. It’s not unusual for motorists to wake up ready for their vacation to find that the battery is dead and they’re going nowhere.
Certainly, older cars can suffer from air conditioning leaks that make driving in hot weather very uncomfortable. On newer models, air conditioning systems are often complex and they can break down over the summer more often than during the winter. The easiest way to prevent issues such as leaks is to have your air-con serviced regularly.
Roadworks tend to be more prevalent during the summer and that can mean all sorts of debris on the road. It’s easy for loose stones to hit the bodywork and cause damage to your car so it’s important to be extra aware and stick to the speed limit when you’re going through roadworks.
If you have any problem with your car over the summer, it’s important to find a garage that can put it right quickly. At White’s Bodyworks, our professional team and fully equipped garage will ensure we get you car back on the road as quickly as possible. Contact us on 01273 933633.
