When summer temperatures skyrocket, so does the risk of vehicle breakdowns. Heatwaves don’t just make driving uncomfortable, they can seriously damage your car and leave you stranded on the side of the road. Understanding how extreme heat affects your vehicle and how to prevent heat-related breakdowns can help keep you safe and avoid an inconvenient (and often costly) tow. Today, we at Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance would like to discuss how heatwaves cause breakdowns and how to avoid them.
Why Vehicles Break Down in Hot Weather
High temperatures put added stress on several key vehicle systems. Here’s how heat can lead to a breakdown.
1) Overheating Engines: One of the most common heat-related problems is engine overheating. Your car’s cooling system works hard to keep the engine at a stable temperature, but in extreme heat, the system can become overwhelmed—especially if coolant levels are low or if there’s a leak or failing radiator fan.
2) Battery Failures: Most people associate battery problems with winter, but heat is actually worse for your car battery. High temperatures cause battery fluid to evaporate, which can damage internal components and reduce battery life.
3) Tire Blowouts: Hot pavement and under-inflated tires are a dangerous combination. As the rubber heats up, air pressure increases, and if your tires are already worn or improperly inflated, a blowout becomes much more likely.
4) Transmission Trouble: Just like engines, transmissions can overheat in high temperatures. This is especially true if you’re towing a trailer or driving in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating transmission fluid can lead to expensive damage.
5) Broken Belts and Hoses: Rubber components like belts and hoses become brittle over time. Heat accelerates this aging process, making them more likely to crack or snap when you least expect it.
How to Prevent a Breakdown During a Heatwave
The good news is that most heat-related breakdowns can be prevented with a little preparation and attention to maintenance.
1) Check Your Coolant: Make sure your coolant levels are topped off, and have your system flushed and refilled as recommended in your owner’s manual. If your engine temperature gauge is running hot, get it checked immediately.
2) Test Your Battery: Have your battery tested before peak summer hits. If it’s more than 3 years old or showing signs of wear, consider replacing it before it fails unexpectedly.
3) Inspect Tires and Maintain Proper Pressure: Check tire tread for wear and keep your tires properly inflated according to your vehicle’s specifications. Don’t forget to inspect your spare tire as well.
4) Schedule a Summer Tune-Up: Have a professional inspect your belts, hoses, radiator, and transmission fluid. Preventive maintenance is cheaper than a repair after a breakdown.
5) Keep an Emergency Kit: Even with precautions, things can still go wrong. Keep a kit with water, jumper cables, a flashlight, phone charger, and emergency contact numbers, especially for a local towing service.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
Don’t underestimate the impact of extreme heat on your vehicle. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing a summer breakdown. Stay cool, stay safe, and when in doubt, call a trusted towing service before the situation escalates. Call Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance for your towing needs in the Greater Irving, Texas area.
