During the summer months, your vehicle may be prone to certain issues that cause breakdowns. Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid the need for roadside assistance and auto repairs with just a handful of maintenance tips. Here are some of the reasons why cars break down during the summer and what you can do to prevent it. 

What Causes Summertime Auto Breakdowns?

1. Blowouts

Many people drive long distances during the summer to visit family or go on vacation. Tire blowouts may occur due to under-inflation, which increases friction between the tire and road and makes existing damages worse. Prior to road trips, inspect your tires for visible damages, and fill them with air as per the instructions in your owner’s manual.

2. Overheating 

It’s not uncommon to notice the temperature gauge on your dashboard reach higher levels during the warm months. However, when your vehicle overheats, there might not be enough coolant in the engine. Keep a spare gallon in your trunk, and add it to your engine in the event of overheating.

3. Battery Failure

Driving more often puts stress on your battery due to frequent starting and stopping. When you charge auxiliary devices, such as smartphones and GPS systems, they’ll drain the battery over time, and you might need roadside assistance. The average car battery lasts approximately three years, so go ahead and replace yours if it’s near or past this age. 

4. Alternator Problems 

Your alternator is responsible for charging the battery and supplying power to the electrical system. Your alternator may experience increased stress during the summer as a result of more frequent driving, higher temperatures, and plugging in too many auxiliary devices. Have a mechanic inspect your alternator at the beginning of the warm season to ensure its proper function. 

If your car breaks down this summer, get in touch with Northgate Towing for roadside assistance. They provide 24-hour towing, lockout services, vehicle recovery, and roadside assistance to clients throughout Cincinnati. Call (513) 825-8036 anytime you wind up stranded and visit them online to learn more about jumpstarts and tire repairs.