Now that summer has finally arrived, you might feel relief as the sun starts to shine and heat things up. That is until you find yourself in need of one of the common summer auto repairs in Philadelphia, PA issues. Your vehicle makes a transition from winter into summer, just like you do. While it may not have a different wardrobe to consider, there are things you want to watch out for. Here are some of the common auto repair needs that occur over the summer months.
Flat Tires/Blowouts
Rubber is affected by temperature. In the summer, the ground is hot—especially blacktop and other roadways. Tires can get way hotter than the air temperature and when the air inside them expands, the tire pressure can increase and even cause your tire to blow out. You want your tires to be properly inflated at all times and keep them in good shape as well. Have them inspected when you get oil changes to ward off big issues by getting new ones when you need them.
Battery Trouble
The extra heat can have an impact on the charge on your battery as well. It could damage the wiring or even make corrosion that is already happening worse. You will want to have the battery inspected regularly as well because if the electrical system goes out and you can’t start the car on the hottest day of the year, it can be a real pain. Batteries don’t last forever, and they aren’t the most expensive element to replace. It’s best to get a battery in good shape rather than chancing driving with a drained one.
Belt And Hose Damage
Hoses and belts can stretch, soften, and crack in the heat. The hotter the temperatures are, the more likely it is that these things will happen. Keep an eye on the belts and hoses or have professionals take a look to ensure they are in good shape to withstand any heat waves coming your way.
AC Failure
While blowing out a tire or enduing a drained battery is an ordeal, some people will say that having their AC fail is the worst possible auto repair need during the summer heat. You may have used too much freon or there might be a leak that is causing the AC to not have enough levels to get things going or to make the AC cool. You’ll definitely want to get that checked out rather than driving in your own sweat.
These are just a few of the common auto repair needs in Philadelphia, PA that the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center often see during the summer months. In order to avoid huge problems, it’s best to bring your vehicle into us on a regular basis so we can look things over and help you avoid bigger issues. We can fix small things along the way and you don’t have to worry about larger problems that will end up costing you more.