Don’t Let Summer Car Troubles Catch You Off Guard
Unless you’re a mechanic or someone who enjoys working on cars as a hobby, it's easy to put off vehicle maintenance over the summer. But neglecting routine care can lead to costly repairs down the road, especially with the added stress that extreme heat puts on your vehicle.
Common Causes of Summer Car Breakdowns
Check Engine Light
The check engine light can indicate anything from a loose gas cap to serious transmission problems.
Common causes include:
- Airflow sensor issues
- Oxygen sensor failure
- Catalytic converter problems
- Gas cap is loose
- Transmission trouble
- Spark plugs are worn
Since the light could signal a range or issues, it's best to have your car checked by a professional right away. If your car won't run, call a towing service.
Dead Battery
Although dead batteries are often linked to winter, high summer temperatures can also cause trouble. Heat speeds up battery fluid evaporation, leading to failures.
If your battery dies, try jumping the car. If you don’t have jumper cables, call someone who does or contact a towing or roadside assistance service.
Overheating
An overheating engine often triggers a temperature warning light, a dashboard message or visible steam from under the hood.
To help prevent this, regularly check your coolant levels and top off as needed. If your car overheats and won’t move, it's best to call a tow truck.
Flat Tires
Summer road trips and increased construction raise the risk of flat tires. Potholes and road debris are common culprits, so be sure your tires are in good condition before hitting the road.
Most cars come with a spare tire, allowing for a quick roadside fix. It's also smart to check tire pressure regularly to maintain performance and safety.
Car breakdowns are never fun. Making it a priority to get your car serviced routinely will make you spend more time on the beach and less time at an auto repair shop. For more resources and articles, CLICK HERE. Additionally, please visit our Facebook page for the latest updates.
Injured in an Accident?
By following these tips, Hupy and Abraham are confident you can help prepare yourself for summer driving. But in the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is injured while driving this summer, please contact our personal injury lawyers by calling 800-800-5678 for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation today.
