The Hidden Effects of Summer Heat

Between family road trips, weekend getaways, and navigating scorching temperatures, your vehicle works overtime in the summer heat. Even if your check engine light isn’t on, high temperatures and long drives take a hidden toll under the hood.

Here is what typically happens to your vehicle during the warmest months:

• Accelerated Battery Drain: High temperatures cause battery fluid to evaporate quickly, damaging the internal structure and speeding up corrosion on terminals. 
• Engine Oil Breakdown: Motor oil thins out faster in heat. When oil loses viscosity it provides less lubrication to vital engine parts, increasing friction and internal heat.
• Fluctuating Tire Pressure: For every 10°F rise in outdoor temperature, your tires gain about 1 PSI of pressure. Hot asphalt combined with overinflated tires increases the risk of uneven tread wear or a blowout on long trips. 
• Stress on Cooling and Suspension Systems: Heat puts extra demand on your radiator and coolant to keep the engine from overheating, while heavy loads from road trip luggage put extra strain on your suspension system.

Leaving these minor issues unchecked can quickly lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

Restoring Your Ride for Fall

Transitioning into a new season is the perfect reminder to give your car a little extra attention. Often, a simple routine service is all it takes to get everything back in peak shape.

Services like Mihoren’s 6-Point Oil Service cover the core essentials that take the biggest hit during summer. Rather than just a quick oil and filter swap, it covers the core vital areas most vulnerable to heat. This service also includes a transparent, easy-to-read DVI report sent straight to your phone for free. It includes photos and notes from our technicians, so you can see the exact condition of your vehicle’s components and make informed decisions with zero guesswork. 

If your vehicle has been putting in serious work this summer, consider scheduling a routine maintenance check before the season wraps up.