When it comes to your car, winter problems are different to summer problems.
Heat and cold can put different stresses on critical components, so it’s important to stay on top of the things that can go wrong when the warmer months arrive.
Here are five common faults that could stop your car in its tracks this summer:
1. Coolant leaks
Drivers often think it’s fine to only occasionally top up their coolant because they can’t see a leak. However, in warmer weather, cooling systems are under greater strain, which can expose weaknesses. Before long, a minor trickle from a worn seal can turn into a significant leak.
Make sure you check your coolant levels regularly throughout the summer.
Potential problem: Overheating
2: Low oil pressure
As temperatures rise, engine oil becomes thinner (less viscous). While modern oils are designed to cope with temperature changes, excessively thin oil or low oil levels can reduce effective lubrication.
When components like the crankshaft and camshafts aren’t properly lubricated, they can become worn.
Potential problem: Severe engine damage
3: Auxiliary (drive) belt failure
A car’s lights, windscreen wipers and sound system are powered by the battery. The battery is kept charged by the alternator, and the alternator is driven by a rubber belt. This belt often drives the air-conditioning and water pump too.
In hot weather, the air-con and water pump must work harder, and if the rubber belt is damaged or is starting to perish, it can easily snap.
This means no cooling system and no charge in the battery.
Potential problem: Overheating, flat battery
4: Brakes and clutch overheating
The hotter frictional components like braking systems and clutches get, the more likely it is that their surfaces will change.
This means they won’t grip what they’re supposed to and so won’t work properly. Another reason brake systems fail is because brake fluid has gone beyond its useful life.
Potential problem: Brake fade
5: Tyres
High temperatures can worsen existing tyre damage, and under-inflation can cause even more problems. The increased friction from the road generates even more heat, which can prove too much for weak spots.
If you’re driving anywhere on holiday, check your tyre condition and pressures and make necessary adjustments for any extra loads.
Potential problem: Blowouts or reduced grip
We hope you have a great summer, full of fun road trips with the family. However, even if you’ve done all these checks, it’s still possible your car could break down unexpectedly. If the worst does happen, having the right breakdown cover in place can help you avoid being stuck by the roadside for hours as the temperatures rise.
