Common car problems in summer and how to avoid them

As the sun gets brighter and days longer, not only should you protect your skin, but your car deserves some extra care in summer months too. Here are some of the most common summer car problems and how to avoid them.

It’s only natural that you’ll want to venture out more frequently once summer arrives. Of course, this often means you’ll be driving more and parking your car in the sun at some stops.

However, the sweltering sun can cause your car to run into some potential issues. But there are some ways that you can try to avoid these issues. Here are our top common car problems in summer and how to avoid them.

A well-functioning aircon can be the difference between enjoying your car on road trips in the summer heat or dreading it when you eventually hit the road.

It’s very important to make sure that your car’s heating and cooling system is working well. If you feel like it’s just blowing air instead of cool air when switching it on, consider regassing it if you haven’t already done so in the last year or two.

Also, note that a weak battery can also cause your aircon to not function at its best. So bear this in mind as a possible cause if your aircon isn’t doing its job correctly – it could be as a result of car battery problems.

Since it’s going to be hotter than hot in summer, more beach trips are probably on the agenda, and with this comes clothes and towels that you’re left to transport in the boot of your car.

Air dry your car completely to prevent unpleasant smells and mildew from setting in before you use it next so that you aren’t left sitting with a vehicle that needs top-to-toe cleaning – a typical summer car problem if left unchecked.

If you plan an extended road trip, ensuring that your tires are at the correct pressure is a must, as your tires are likely to expand due to the summer heat.

Signs that your car’s tires need to be checked include having trouble turning your steering wheel or if the tread on your wheels is worn down. Also, always avoid potholes and other road hazards, and regularly inspect your tires for any cracks, punctures, and bulges.

You should often get your tire pressure checked at the petrol station, especially before a long trip to make sure they are roadworthy. Furthermore, you should also replace your wheels every six years.

In hot weather, your car could end up overheating. It’s always a good idea to check that your engine coolant and water are topped up. Also, whenever possible, try to park in the shade and keep an eye on your temperature gauge, pulling over immediately if you notice any signs that the engine is overheating.

Something else that can cause your vehicle to overheat is your serpentine belt, also known as a drive belt. If you have sufficient oil in your engine, but your car is still overheating, and your AC and your power steering are not quite up to scratch, then this is a sure sign that your serpentine belt or drive belt needs to be checked by a professional to prevent any further problems down the line.

Your professional service provider will also most likely check your vehicle’s fluid levels to rule out this as a cause of your car’s overheating problem.

Extreme temperatures can affect how well your car battery works because it has to work overtime to keep you cool! Always make sure that your car battery is in good condition, especially before holiday trips.

A sure-fire way to tell that your battery is starting to struggle is when your engine crank start is slow, which means that it sounds more sluggish when you turn the key to start your car. If the battery is close to failing and does not get enough power, it could make a clicking noise when you try to start the car. You might also notice that your headlights are not as bright as usual.

Finding plastic pieces coming off your steering wheel? This could mean that your car needs shade cover on hot summer days or needs a thorough cleaning.

Furthermore, you might be using your wipers more often to wash off summer dust, debris, pollen, etc., so ensure you replace them before heading out on the road.

The warmer weather can lead to car fluid leaks since the heat turns fuel into vapour, thereby increasing the pressure, which could lead to cracks, allowing it to escape.

Always keep an eye on your check engine light. Or, if you notice that your fuel efficiency isn’t what it used to be, or if you smell fuel, immediately get it checked out by a professional car service provider.

We can try to plan as much as possible, but it can be easy to overlook vehicle issues if we don’t know how to take care of our cars. And a big part of preventing unforeseen issues is by ensuring you’re backed by the best car insurance!

Get a quick insurance quote online today, and find out how we can cover your vehicle so you don’t have to stress about things going seriously wrong when you’d rather delight in the weather.

The above article is meant to give general information to help you understand the types of possible car problems you can encounter when the weather is hot.

Please always consult professionals when servicing or experiencing any trouble with your car. If you want to buy car insurance, consider contacting a certified financial advisor for professional advice and to make sure the product is right for you.

Contact Prime South Africa for more information regarding affordable, comprehensive car insurance with fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. *T&Cs apply.