Summer is often the time for road tripping, whether it’s to see somewhere new or visit family and friends. Getting your vehicle inspected before you hit the road can help you avoid costly car trouble. The experts at Mullanphy Tire & Automotive often see vehicles with a lot of the same issues during the summer—a combination of high heat and driving longer distances. Here are the five most common summertime auto repairs, and how you can fix or avoid them altogether.

Top 5 Summertime Auto Repairs

1. Overheated Engine

It might not be a surprise that this is one of the most common car troubles during the hot months. If your car does overheat, you’ll have to wait for it to cool down and take it to a mechanic for repair. To avoid overheating your engine, keep an eye on your engine’s temperature gauge on the dashboard, and make sure the coolant is topped up every few months.

2. Flat Tires

With everyone else on the road and an increase in construction and road fixtures during the summer, flat tires are almost inevitable. To avoid having to change a flat on the side of the highway, make sure the treads are up to par and that your tire pressure is at the right PSI.

3. Poorly-Fitting Gas Cap

A cracked or loose gas cap can cause your check engine light to come on. Sometimes it’s just user error, but if this continues to be a problem, an auto repair shop can replace your gas cap with a better-fitting version. Your car will run more efficiently too!

4. Dead Battery

Many think that a dead battery is only a winter problem, but heat causes battery juices to evaporate. During the summer, it can get extremely hot under the hood, and it’s a good idea to have your battery, starter, and alternator checked a few times a year to avoid a dead battery.

5. Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel ratio of the vehicle and can cause big problems when they’re not working right. They should be replaced about every 30,000 miles, but they can often fail sooner. Failed spark plugs can permanently damage your catalytic converter, which can be a nearly $2,000 auto repair.

Before you set out on that summertime road trip, have your vehicle inspected by Mullanphy Tire & Automotive. Call them today at (314) 921-4961 to schedule your appointment for an inspection or auto repair. Visit their website for more information.