Summer in New Jersey brings thick humidity and stretches of highway traffic that can push any vehicle to its limit. The two systems that take the hardest hit this time of year are the cooling system and the battery. A little attention now can save you from a breakdown on the Parkway or Turnpike later. In this month’s blog post, we look at common issues your vehicle may experience in hot summer conditions, signs to watch for, and preventative maintenance.
The Impacts of Heat
Your engine produces a large amount of heat, and the cooling system, made up of the radiator, coolant, water pump, and hoses, is responsible for carrying that heat away. At the same time, your battery works harder in high temperatures because heat speeds up the chemical reaction inside it, which wears it down faster than cold weather does.
Common Issues
- Overheating: Heavy summer traffic combined with high outdoor temperatures can cause an engine to run hotter than normal.
- Battery failure: Extreme heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which shortens the life of the battery even if it looks fine on the outside.
- Low coolant: Hoses and gaskets can develop small leaks over time, and low coolant is one of the leading causes of overheating.
Signs and Causes to Watch For
- Temperature gauge: A needle that creeps toward the hot side, especially in stop and go traffic.
- Sweet smell: A sweet odor coming from under the hood can point to a coolant leak.
- Slow cranking: A vehicle that struggles to start or cranks slowly often has a weakening battery.
- Dashboard warning lights: A battery or temperature light should never be ignored.
What Repair Looks Like
A technician will pressure test the cooling system to find leaks, check coolant levels and condition, inspect hoses and belts for cracking, and test the battery under load. Depending on what is found, repairs may include replacing a hose, flushing old coolant, or installing a new battery.
Preventative Maintenance
- Have coolant levels and condition checked before long summer drives.
- Ask for a battery load test, especially if the battery is more than three years old.
- Replace worn belts and hoses before they fail.
- Keep the air conditioning system serviced, since a struggling AC system adds extra load to the engine.
A quick inspection before the busiest part of summer can be the difference between a smooth drive down the shore and an unexpected stop on the side of the road. Contact the service professionals at Geller’s Automotive today to schedule your vehicle’s inspection appointment.
