AUTOMOTIVE
Beat the Heat: Summer Car Maintenance Tips
Hot weather affects your vehicle’s performance and lifespan, so here’s what to watch out for this summer.
By Wendy Helfenbaum | Illustrations by Mike Ellis
The sun, the heat, the clear blue sky… yes, summer is here, and you might be hearing the call of the open road. Or at least one that’s free of ice, snow and slush. But just as you need to make sure you’re prepared with sunscreen and hydration before you step outdoors, your vehicle needs the same kind of consideration. Read on for some essential warm-weather tips.
Keep your engine happy Extreme summer heat can put extra strain on your engine. Hot air is thinner than cool air, which means the engine may receive less oxygen for combustion. This can slightly reduce power and make acceleration feel sluggish, especially during hard driving or when carrying heavy loads.
In hot weather, your vehicle’s cooling system also has to work harder to keep engine temperatures in check. When outside air is already warm, it becomes less effective at carrying heat away from the engine. Normally, this isn’t an issue if the cooling system is well maintained, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your dashboard warning lights — especially during long drives or stop‑and‑go traffic.
High temperatures can also affect fuel delivery. In older vehicles, heat may cause fuel to vaporize before it reaches the engine, leading to rough idling or stalling. This is uncommon in newer vehicles, but extreme heat can still increase the risk of overheating, which may damage engine components if left unchecked. To help your vehicle perform reliably in summer, park in the shade when possible and make sure engine oil and coolant levels are maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keep an eye on your dashboard
If a warning light pops on, it’s time to pull over. Turn off the air conditioning and crank the heat — not exactly comfortable, but it can help cool the engine. If the temperature doesn’t come down after a minute or two, turn the car off and call for roadside assistance.
- The red or yellow engine coolant temperature light — shaped like a thermometer — indicates your coolant level is dangerously low or that the engine is overheating
- If the temperature gauge needle is in the red or H zone, your engine is running too hot
- Flashing blue or red lights might mean an electrical fault in your cooling system
- Warning messages such as Check Coolant Level or Engine Overheating indicate the need for attention right away
Car battery basics for summer
Like extreme cold, sweltering heat takes a toll on your battery. Following these tips ensures your ride starts all summer long.
- Inspect your battery regularly, making sure the terminals are tight with no signs of corrosion — this may look like white or blue-green powder
- Limit short trips — batteries need some engine running time to recharge fully
- Park indoors to reduce heat stress on your battery
- Get your battery tested before hitting the road — take advantage of AMA’s Mobile Battery service
Protect your tires
Road surfaces heat up under the sun, impacting tire pressure, performance and lifespan. A 5°C to 6°C increase in temperature boosts tire pressure by one pound per square inch (PSI). Improperly inflated tires affect handling and performance and can negatively impact safety devices such as antilock braking systems and traction and stability control systems. Tires should be checked visually prior to each trip and at least monthly with a tire gauge.
Hot pavement accelerates tire wear, so be sure to ask your mechanic to rotate tires regularly. High temperatures can also speed up the aging of the tire’s rubber compounds, which can cause cracking or weak sidewalls, increasing the risk of blowouts. The hotter the asphalt, the harder your tires work, so reduce your speed and avoid overloading your vehicle to decrease the strain on your tires’ internal structure.
Smart fuel management Fuel formulas change in the spring. Butane, which helps cars start faster in cold temperatures, is replaced with alkylates, which burn cleaner. Because summer fuel is more expensive to produce, maximizing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is key. Towing heavy loads, driving on hilly roads, quick acceleration, hard stops, dirty filters and unbalanced tires can all reduce fuel efficiency. Do this instead:
- Avoid idling and stop-and-go driving
- Accelerate gently and use cruise control to regulate your speed
- Remove excess weight, such as rooftop carriers or bike racks, when not needed
- Maintain proper tire pressure, which reduces friction
- Change your oil regularly, according to your vehicle’s manual
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for replacing air filters and spark plugs
- AMA members save 3 cents per litre* at participating Shell stations
AC and fuel economy
Flipping on the AC makes your engine work harder to power the compressor, condenser and evaporator that pressurize and circulate the heat-absorbing refrigerant, which cools down your car. Using your AC can increase fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, according to Natural Resources Canada.
Heavy loads and fuel economy The heavier your haul, the more fuel consumed — and that goes for passengers and pets as well as towing a boat or trailer. Outboard carrying devices, such as bike racks, increase air resistance and drag; opt for a rear rack if possible. Fuel efficiency decreases about two percent for every 45 kilograms of extra weight. A study by Natural Resources Canada found that for every 100-kilogram reduction in load, the combined city/highway fuel consumption could decrease by about 0.4 l/100 km for cars and about 0.5 l/100 km for light trucks. Also, check your brakes. If brakes don’t release all the way due to extra weight, that can add resistance. Be sure to get your brakes checked before setting out.
Don’t forget…
- drinking water and snacks
- sunscreen
- reflective windshield sunshade
- charged portable power bank
- tire repair kit
- tire pressure gauge
- jumper cables or battery pack
- road flares or reflective triangles
- basic first aid kit
- fire extinguisher
- extra coolant and motor oil
- spare car key
- mat or towel in case you need to change a tire
- wet wipes
- duct tape
- flashlight
*Save 3¢ per litre on fuel at Shell. (Conditions apply, valid at participating locations.)