Whether you’re riding to work or embarking on a road trip, the last thing you want is the car to break down in the summer heat. There are a few reasons why vehicles experience trouble in the high temperatures, leaving drivers stranded and waiting for towing and roadside assistance. Below are the top five causes. 

5 Reasons Cars Break Down in the Summer

1. Oil Pressure

The hot temperatures force engine oil to work harder. Oil becomes less viscous in heat, leading to a watery substance that won’t lubricate components efficiently. Parts such as the camshaft and crankshaft experience more wear and tear if oil isn’t thick enough to support them, leading to repairs, or worse, an engine failure. To prevent this, stay on top of oil changes throughout the season.

2. Overheating

In summer, people rely on their car’s cooling systems more to regulate temperatures. If there is a coolant leak, it may not be as obvious until it’s too late, especially if you only top it off instead of get it inspected when levels seem low. Keep tabs on the temperature gauge or the radiator icon on the dashboard to prevent overheating and steam under the hood.

3. Tires

As the heat rises, you may see changes in tire pressure. Underinflation is common in summer, and driving on tires with low pressure will lead to excessive wear and tear, especially on the hot pavement. If tires are weak, problems such as flats and blowouts increase. Check tire pressure once a month and keep an eye on treads.

4. Battery Drain

Many areas of the vehicle rely on the battery, including the air conditioning and water pump, both of which get a lot of use during the summer. When the battery has to work harder to keep everything going, it may drain faster, leaving you without a functioning cooling system and a dead battery. Battery fluid may also evaporate more quickly in high heat.

5. Brakes

Heat impacts braking systems negatively when temperatures get too high. The hotter the brakes are, the more likely the surface of their components will become compromised, which leads to poor gripping on the road. By checking all fluids, especially the brake fluid, when seasons change, you prevent major headaches, repairs, and necessary calls for roadside assistance.

When you need reliable roadside assistance in Franklinville, NY, call The Hole Works. For more than two decades, their team has been the top choice when customers need AAA-provided towing. Their hardware store has all the right tools and components to keep your car running. Besides roadside assistance, they also provide industrial services such as hole drilling, equipment rental, and utility poles throughout Western New York. Call (716) 676-3998 or visit their website for a full list of services.