When the temperature rises, most of us think about sun cream, air conditioning, and keeping hydrated. But your car faces its own challenges in hot weather, and ignoring them can lead to unexpected breakdowns, expensive repairs, or even safety hazards.

At Service4Service, we regularly see a spike in vehicle issues during the summer months. Extreme heat accelerates wear and tear on critical systems, and vehicles that aren’t properly maintained are the first to suffer. Here’s what you need to know about how summer heat affects your car and what you can do to protect it.

Engine overheating is one of the most common problems we see. Your engine already runs hot, and when ambient temperatures climb, the cooling system is pushed to its limits. If coolant levels are low or there are leaks in the radiator or hoses, the system can’t regulate heat effectively. It’s crucial to ensure your coolant is topped up with the proper antifreeze mixture and to have key components like the water pump and thermostat checked regularly.

Car batteries also take a hit in hot weather. High temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions inside the battery, leading to quicker degradation. This heat-induced stress can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, shortening its lifespan and compromising its performance. It’s important to keep the terminals clean and secure, especially if your battery is older or you’re noticing sluggish starts.

Your tyres are another area of concern. As temperatures rise, the air inside your tyres expands, which can lead to over-inflation. This not only affects your car’s handling but also increases the risk of blowouts, especially during long motorway journeys. Regular pressure checks are essential, ideally when the tyres are cool. Inspecting for cracks, bulges, and adequate tread depth is also critical for safety.

Air conditioning systems often struggle during the summer months. When a vehicle’s AC is underperforming, it could be due to low refrigerant levels, a clogged filter, or a failing compressor. Not only does this make driving uncomfortable, but it could also indicate deeper issues in the cooling system. Servicing the air conditioning and ensuring clean cabin filters can keep the system efficient and help you stay cool behind the wheel.

Fluids across the vehicle suffer in high heat. Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid all degrade more quickly and may even evaporate, especially under the stress of stop-start traffic. Regular checks and timely top-ups are necessary to maintain vehicle performance. Oil may need changing more frequently if your driving habits include heavy summer use.

The vehicle’s interior isn’t immune either. Sunlight and heat can damage upholstery, crack dashboards, and even affect electronics. Leather seats are especially prone to drying out and cracking. To protect your interior, parking in the shade, using windscreen sunshades, and applying UV protectant to surfaces can make a significant difference. Seat covers and slight window openings (where secure) can also help reduce internal temperatures.

Most of these summer-related issues are preventable. Being proactive about maintenance saves you from headaches and costly repairs later. At Service4Service, we offer tailored summer readiness checks to ensure your car can handle the heat, from fluid levels and cooling systems to tyre inspections and air conditioning servicing.

Book your service now and keep your car cool, comfortable, and running smoothly all summer long.