How to make sure your vehicle is free from heat-related issues
Sep 25, 2024, 5:00 PM
Mason Waters replaces the skid plate after changing the oil on a vehicle at Burt Brothers Tire & Service in Farmington on Monday, May 15, 2023. (Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
(Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Fall is here, and after a very hot summer AAA says now is the perfect time to get check that your car is in tip top shape.
This summer AAA reported they responded to almost 800,000 roadside service calls across the county during busy travel periods like the Fourth of July. Mostly due to heat-related issues.
John Walter, Chief Auto Repair Officer for AAA Utah said that extreme heat shortens the service life of many important vehicle components.
“This makes it essential to inspect and maintain your car as the weather cools.”
Here are three tips on how to make sure your vehicle is free from heat-related issues.
Check your car’s battery
According to interstatebatteries.com a car battery usually last 3-5 years. But heavy wear and tear, including heat can shorten a batteries life significantly.
AAA says to watch out for a struggling engine start, vehicle warning lights, odd smells, or corrosion on the battery terminals, these could be signs of a failing battery.
With extreme heat a battery life could fall to as low as two years, but with good care a battery could last far longer, almost 10 years.
Check all rubber car parts
Ruber parts like, tires, belts and hoses tend not to do well in heat.
AAA Utah said to look for cracks in belts and hoses.
As for tires, AAA Utah said hot pavement can cause them to bulge, dry out and rot, rising the risk of blowouts.
The Autozone website says “even the highest-quality set will lose effectiveness over time.”
So, checking your tire tread is very important, especially with winter roads coming upon us next.
But how can you check? Tirerack.com says that a penny can work well to gauge your tire treads.
“If Lincoln’s entire head is visible, the tire is worn to approximately 2/32″ and is considered legally worn out in most states.”
Check your car’s fluids
AAA said the summer heat can cause these fluids to boil or evaporate, leading to potential damage.
Car liquids like coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid and engine oil all need to be checked and topped off.
Cashcarsbuyer.com says high temps can degrade fluids and may result in a car needing significant repairs.
Doing these checks now can prevent car issues later and make sure you go into winter with a reliable vehicle.
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