As hard as the summer heat is for you, it can be even worse for your car, especially when temperatures start climbing into the triple digits. Extreme heat affects every part of your vehicle, from the engine down to the tires, and could leave you stranded by the side of the road waiting for a towing company. Knowing how summer temperatures affect your car will help you avoid some of these heat-related car problems.

How Heat Affects Your Vehicle

The Tires

High temperatures cause the air inside your tires to expand, sometimes to the point of overinflation. Hot asphalt also weakens the rubber in your wheels. These two factors, when combined, can dramatically increase the chances of a blowout. For maximum safety, check your tire pressure at least once a month during the summer and before leaving on any long road trip.

The Battery

You might have heard that winter weather shortens your battery’s life, but summer highs can be just as bad. Heat can speed up corrosion inside your battery, eventually leading to premature failure. To safeguard yourself from a dead battery, keep a pair of jumper cables in your trunk and have the number of a responsible towing company that you can call in emergencies.

Coolant Levels

During the summer, your engine may have a difficult time staying cool, especially if your coolant levels are low. Always check your coolant levels at the beginning of the season and watch for signs of damaged hoses or a leaking radiator. Also, keep your eye on the temperature gauge and pull over as soon as your car starts running hotter than average.

When your car overheats, call a 24/7 towing company instead of trying to drive to a garage or service station. Buckeye Riverside Towing assists stranded drivers throughout the Greater Cincinnati area with dependable, affordable service when they need it most. Visit their website for an overview of their services and capabilities, or follow them on Facebook.  To reach the area’s most reliable towing company at any time, day or night, call (513) 244-7200.