Most car owners know how important it is to prepare their cars for the cold freezing temperatures during winter months, so they can enjoy safe and smooth rides even in the worst weather conditions. Unfortunately, a lot of people tend to overlook the importance of car maintenance during summer.

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It’s not just snow, ice, strong winds or extremely cold temperatures that can affect a car’s performance and lead to a myriad of car problems. Hot weather can also spell disaster for your vehicle. As a driver, you have to know what car issues can arise in times of scorching heat, so you can prepare yourself accordingly and avoid getting caught by surprise. 

Making sure your tires are properly inflated is something that should be on your maintenance check list regardless of the season. However, checking tire pressure is especially important during the summer when temperature differences between day and night can cause damage to your car tires, thus the risk of experiencing a tire blowout is significantly higher. So, check tire pressure regularly and make sure you consult your owner’s manual for guidance.  

Driving in the summer heat without a functional AC can feel like torture. Of course, you can drive during the cooler hours of the morning or late evening if your AC is not working, but it would be much better to avoid getting to this point in the first place. This means you should check your car’s fluid levels and ensure you have a proper functioning battery. 

Also, if there are any signs of malfunction with your electrical system, it’s better to have that checked by a professional sooner rather than later and keep AC problems at bay instead of fixing them after they occur. 

High summer temperatures and cooling system issues are the last things you’d want to combine, but unfortunately this is an all-too-common situation drivers face. A faulty cooling system can cause your engine to overheat which can lead to a variety of other problems. That’s why you should keep an eye out for red flags such as your car using up fluids faster than usual and take your car to the mechanic to check it for leaks or damages to the cooling system. 

Most people think that battery issues are more frequent during winter, but summer heat can also increase the chances of experiencing this type of problem. Since your battery has to work overtime to keep your car cool, it’s no surprise it can perform poorly during hot months. If your battery is not brand-new, regular inspections are in order to make sure everything is working as it should. 

Heat can also affect your car’s serpentine belt, and a broken belt is the last thing you want to deal with in summer. The easy way to avoid this is to replace your car’s belt once it went past the 60,000-100,000 miles mark. This small maintenance task can save you a lot of money and headaches.