With summer temperatures in Phoenix regularly exceeding 100 degrees, your vehicle is undergoing a lot of excess wear and tear. It is best to do some preventative maintenance checks throughout the summer and make some special considerations to keep your car functioning optimally. Here are 3 common car problems often experienced in Phoenix, Arizona’s summer heat.
- Blowing out a tire. As the air temperature increases,
so does the pressure in your car’s tires. A change in internal air pressure can
make tires more susceptible to getting blown out while you are driving. To
avoid tire problems in the summer heat, do the following:
- Keep tires properly inflated. A big difference between daytime and night-time summer temperatures can cause the air pressure in your tires to fluctuate. Check the air pressure in your tires, making sure the pressure doesn’t exceed the recommended amount based on your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. Because tire pressure is so critical in the summer in Arizona, you should check your car’s tires daily, first thing in the morning.
- Check tires for wear and tear. Asphalt on the roadways can reach scalding temperatures in the summer. You should regularly inspect your tires for loss of tread, punctures, bulges, or tears. Replace faulty tires immediately.
- Clean and treat tires and wheels. Regularly applying a good tire dressing will protect your tires from dry rot or cracking on the scalding hot roadways.
- Damaged hoses and belts. Hot temperatures will increase the
likelihood that one of your car’s belts or hoses is faulty. You can look
under the hood to check for any problems.
- Check the belts for cracks, fraying, or dry rotting. Look to see if the rubber has any spots with a slick or glazed appearance that can cause the belts to slip. When the engine is cool, gently pull on the belts to check the tension level. There should be no more than one half to one inch of give.
- Check the hoses for any cracks, bulges, or leaks. Squeeze the hoses near the clamps with your thumb and forefinger. Feel for any soft spots and look to see if any fluid is leaking. It you see a hardened, glassy surface on any of the hoses, this is a sign of heat damage. Replace any faulty belts or hoses right away.
- Battery problems. Summer temperatures can damage the wiring and speed up corrosion of your car’s battery. Extreme heat can also damage the internal structure of the battery by causing fluids to evaporate. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and then clean them with a wire brush. You should also look for any signs of swelling in the battery case. The voltage of the battery should be checked by an automotive professional to make sure that it falls within the desired range. Since a faulty battery can cause problems to your car’s electrical system, be sure to replace it immediately.
Virginia Auto Service will take care of all your summer auto service and repair needs in Phoenix, Arizona. We have won some prestigious awards that recognized us for our leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Just schedule an appointment online or call us at (602)-266-0200.