Just as the summer heat can take a toll on your body, it can also significantly impact your car. While you may expect an overheated engine, there are a number of other issues to protect against. To help keep your visits to the auto repair shop to a minimum, here are four ways the heat can damage your ride.

How the Summer Heat Impacts Your Vehicle

1. Battery Failure

Extreme heat can be just as detrimental to a car battery as extreme cold. The heat evaporates battery fluid, which then zaps power from the battery. Additionally, heat accelerates the corrosion process, causing the lead plates and connective parts to become damaged. Get your battery tested by an auto repair professional, especially before embarking on a road trip or if your battery is over three years old. Avoid parking in direct sunlight to minimize the chances of battery failure.

2. Busted Tires

Over the winter, your tires likely deflated because cold temperatures caused the air molecules to contract. In the summer, under-inflated tires can burst because heat forces the tread to detach from the rest of the tire. This increases friction and forces the tire to bulge, leading to busted rubber. Check the pressure every month and get the tires filled to match the recommended levels found on the inside of your driver’s side door.

3. Engine Overheating

Coolant and oil both play integral parts in preventing your engine from overheating, so check both every month. Oil is particularly important in summer, as it absorbs heat from engine parts and moves it toward the cooling system so that it can dissipate.

If your engine overheats this summer, there are a few steps you can take to prevent widespread damage. Pull off the road, put the car in idle, turn off the AC system, and turn on the heat. Since turning on the heat will draw warmth into the cabin, you pull heat out of the engine. If these tips don’t help, turn off the car and call a towing company.

4. AC Problems

Since you rely on the auto AC system so frequently during the summer, the refrigerant levels should be monitored and refilled. An auto repair technician might also recommend flushing out the system, particularly if you haven’t used it all winter. This process will get rid of any mold and mildew build-up that could cause a strange odor and allergies. Finally, get the air filter replaced to ensure you get the maximum amount of airflow.

If your car needs a check-up to handle the heat this season, bring it to Bland Street Auto Center in Bluefield, WV. They’re the go-to auto repair shop for tires in Mercer, Bland, and Tazewell counties. They offer 24-hour towing so that you’re never stranded without help this summer. In addition to tire maintenance, they also perform a number of auto repair tasks on all makes and models, including oil changes, brake service, and auto air conditioning repairs. Call (304) 327-5025 or visit their website to read testimonials from their customers.