Essential Summer Car Care Tips from Sullivan Tire

Beat the Heat: Essential Summer Car Care Tips from Sullivan Tire

Summer driving brings freedom, road trips, and unfortunately, some unique challenges for your vehicle. As temperatures soar and you rack up those vacation miles, your car faces increased stress that can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.

The Heat is ON: Why Summer is Tough on Your Car

In the summer your engine works harder to stay cool, your tires bear the brunt of hot pavement, and your air conditioning system gets a workout it hasn't seen since last August. Understanding these challenges is the first step to preventing them.

Top Summer Car Issues and Solutions

1. Overheating Engine: The Summer Nemesis

Nothing ruins a beach day quite like steam billowing from under your hood. Engine overheating is the most common summer car problem, and it can cause serious damage if not addressed quickly.

Warning Signs:

• Temperature gauge climbing into the red zone
• Steam or coolant smell
• Reduced engine power
• Unusual engine noises

Prevention and Solutions: Check your coolant levels regularly and ensure your cooling system is functioning properly. We recommend having your cooling system inspected before summer hits and keeping extra coolant in your trunk for emergencies.

2. Tire Troubles: When the Rubber Meets the Road

Hot asphalt can push your tires to their limits. Underinflated tires are particularly vulnerable to blowouts when temperatures spike, and even properly maintained tires can suffer from excessive wear in extreme heat.

What to Watch For:

• Uneven tire wear patterns
• Bulges or cracks in sidewalls
• Frequent pressure loss
• Vibration while driving
• Tire pressure indicator on dash

Prevention and Solutions: Regular tire pressure checks are crucial during summer months. Hot weather can increase tire pressure, while underinflated tires heat up faster and are more prone to failure.

3. Air Conditioning Failures: Losing Your Cool

A broken AC system turns your car into a mobile sauna. AC problems often surface just when you need cooling most, leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable during your commute or vacation.

Common AC Issues:

• Weak airflow
• Warm air instead of cold
• Strange odors from vents
• Unusual noises when AC is running

Prevention and Solutions: Regular AC maintenance, including cabin air filter replacement, can prevent many summer breakdowns and keep you comfortable on the road.

4. Battery Drain: More Than a Winter Problem

While most people associate battery problems with cold weather, extreme heat can be equally damaging. High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions inside your battery, leading to faster fluid evaporation and potential failure.

Heat-Related Battery Issues:

• Slow engine cranking
• Dashboard warning lights
• Corroded battery terminals

Prevention and Solutions: Keep battery terminals clean. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested before summer travel season. Sullivan Tire offers comprehensive battery testing and replacement services, ensuring you won't be stranded with a dead battery on a hot summer day.

5. Brake System Stress: Stopping Power When You Need It

Summer road trips mean more driving, more braking, and more heat buildup in your brake system. Combined with hot weather, this can lead to brake fade and reduced stopping power.

Brake Warning Signs:

• Squealing or grinding noises
• Vibration when braking
• Longer stopping distances
• Brake pedal feels spongy

Prevention and Solutions: Regular brake inspections are essential for summer safety. Our technicians check brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid to ensure your stopping power remains reliable. Don't ignore brake warning signs – what starts as a minor issue can quickly become a safety hazard.

Sullivan Tire's Summer Preparation Package

Don't wait for problems to find you on the highway. Our comprehensive vehicle inspection covers all the critical systems that work hardest during hot weather:

• Cooling System Check: Coolant levels, hose inspection, and thermostat testing
• Tire Service: Pressure check, tread depth measurement, and visual inspection
• AC Performance Test: System diagnosis and refrigerant level check
• Battery Analysis: Load testing and terminal cleaning
• Brake Inspection: Pad thickness, rotor condition, and fluid quality

Emergency Preparedness: Your Summer Survival Kit

Even with proper maintenance, emergencies can happen. Keep these items in your car during summer months:

• Extra coolant and motor oil
• Tire pressure gauge and portable air compressor
• Emergency water and snacks - always have snacks! 🙂
• Sunscreen and first aid kit
• Phone charger and emergency contact numbers
• Sullivan Tire's contact information

The Sullivan Tire Advantage

With over 80 locations throughout New England, Sullivan Tire has been keeping drivers safe and comfortable for 70 years. Our certified technicians use the latest diagnostic equipment and genuine parts to ensure quality repairs that last. We understand that summer car problems can't wait, which is why we offer convenient scheduling and priority service for urgent issues.

Our commitment goes beyond repairs – we believe in preventive care that saves you money and keeps you safe. Every service includes a complimentary inspection to identify potential problems before they leave you stranded. Schedule an appointment today!