Most Virginia drivers know about the need to prepare vehicles for the colder months, but would you know your car or truck can be affected by hot temperatures? You probably already know about the warning signs to watch for when your engine is overheating, so here is a list of additional adverse effects that are possible to keep an eye on.
Between the combustion and friction in all of its moving parts, engines, by design, produce a lot of heat. However, like any other machine, they have a threshold that can cause damage once crossed. An engine can suffer from mechanical and performance issues. But, fear not! In this short blog from Casey’s in Chantilly, VA, we will explore the elements of your engine that could fall susceptible to heat damage.
TIRES
In the Chantilly, VA area, drivers are conditioned to having to fill up their tires on a cold day. But do you know what happens in the warmer months?
Instead of tires deflating, the warmer asphalt can cause the air in the tires to overinflate. With excessive air pressure, tries can become deformed and decrease the amount of tread touching the road. That can also cause wear!
ENGINE OIL
Engine oil is a crucial component of vehicle health. The need for healthy motor oil is evident every 3000 miles when you bring it into your Chantilly, VA shop for an oil change. Old oil becomes thick, full of refuse, and has difficulty flowing.
Well, extreme heat can cause the same issues. It can also cause damage to seals, shorten the oil filter’s life, and accelerate corrosion to parts.
GASOLINE
Hotter temperatures can also cause your fuel efficiency to decrease. Heat causes the molecules in gas to move faster, and a pre-detonation of fuel occurs before the spark plug gets to ignite it. When
BATTERY
While cold weather is typically viewed as the villain to batteries, the hotter months can have an equally if not worse effect. Have you ever opened the hood of your car and noticed a powdery, rusty substance around the battery’s terminal? Maybe you’re not the type to look under the hood, so here’s another example. Have you ever replaced the batteries in a television remote or a kid’s toy and noticed a weird powdery substance? That is corrosion. When hot temperatures outside are added to the high temperatures under the hood, battery corrosion is accelerated.
High temperatures can also cause the battery fluids to evaporate, which in turn will cause damage to the internal elements of the battery.
COOLING SYSTEM
The coolant system in most vehicles is made up of a thermostat, water pump, hoses, radiator, and coolant. Extreme heat causes the system to work harder at keeping the engine and its components cool. If one of those pieces fails, the engine risks severe damage.
MANAGING YOUR VEHICLE’S HEALTH IN THE HEAT
Yes, that list above can be intimidating, but there are some ways you can help keep your vehicle healthy. The next time you bring it in for any service, tell your advisor to check:
- Battery Diagnostics Test
- Ensure Fluids are Topped-off
- Regularly Test the A/C System
- Check the Tires for Wear
- Inspect Belts and Hoses
ANNUAL AUTOMOTIVE INSPECTIONS AT CASEY’S AUTOMOTIVE IN CHANTILLY, VIRGINIA
While nothing is guaranteed when it comes to manufactured vehicles, regular maintenance will help make them last. If the heat’s effect on your car or truck concerns you, contact us for an inspection!
