The season’s first heat wave has arrived, bringing temperatures in the 90s and a heat index topping out in the triple digits. In addition to being hard on humans and animals, the sizzling summer weather can take a toll on your vehicle as well, according to AAA.
Roadside assistance crews are ready to respond to what will likely be a surge in roadside assistance calls this week for vehicles that succumb to the extreme heat. Car batteries and tires are especially vulnerable to summer’s soaring temperatures. With the Fourth of July travel period and summer road trip season in full swing, now is the time for drivers to have their car batteries and tires checked before hitting the highway.
“The effect this kind of weather can have on your car is cumulative,” says Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager, AAA Club Alliance. “While many vehicles will survive the first few days of extreme heat or even the first heat wave, motorists may not be so lucky as the summer rolls on. AAA urges motorists to have car batteries and tires checked to ensure safety and prevent unexpected breakdowns.”
Summer heat takes a greater toll on car batteries than sub-freezing winter temperatures, which may be surprising to many drivers. Extreme heat exacts a toll on vehicles, especially the car battery, over an extended period of time.
AAA recommends motorists make sure their vehicles are prepared for summer driving. Here are some common heat-related car problems, and what motorists can do to help prevent them:
Preventive summer vehicle maintenance tips
• Batteries – Heat kills batteries. Make sure you have a strong battery that is up to the challenge by having your battery tested.
“Most batteries give you plenty of warning before they fail,” says Weaver Hawkins. “The key is knowing what to look for and acting before it becomes an emergency.”
Eight common signs your car battery is failing:
◦ Dashboard Warning Lights – A glowing battery icon—usually red—should never be ignored. It often signals a problem in the charging system, which includes the battery and alternator. In some cases, a weakening battery may even trigger the Check Engine light.
◦ Slow Engine Cranking or Clicking Sounds – If your vehicle struggles to start or takes longer to turn over, your battery could be losing power. Hearing a clicking sound when you turn the key or press the start button is another strong indicator that the battery—or its connections—may be failing.
◦ Headlights Dim at Idle – Your alternator supplies power while driving, but at idle, the battery steps in. If your headlights dim when stopped—or your power windows slow down—it could signal a weak battery unable to carry the load.
◦ A Swollen Battery Case – A battery that appears bloated or warped is a clear red flag. Swelling is often caused by overcharging or extreme temperatures and requires immediate replacement.
◦ Leaking Battery Fluid – Battery leaks can cause corrosion, damage engine components, and pose safety risks. Look for wet spots, pooling liquid, or a crusty white, blue, or green buildup around the terminals.
◦ Frequent Jump Starts – Needing a jump start occasionally after long inactivity can be normal. but if it happens regularly after a short period of sitting, your battery is likely failing.
◦ Rotten Egg Smell — A sulfur-like odor signals the release of hydrogen sulfide gas, typically caused by overcharging or internal battery damage. It’s a serious warning that the battery, or the vehicle’s charging system, may be failing and should be inspected immediately.
◦ Age of the Battery – Most car batteries last three to five years. Extreme heat, vibration, and frequent deep discharges can shorten that lifespan significantly.
• Tires – Keep your tires at normal pressure. Soft tires generate heat, which can lead to a blowout.
• Fluids – Check all fluids including the coolant level in the overflow tank and top off as needed. If the engine is cool, check the level in the radiator as well. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot, you can be seriously scalded.
• Coolant – Motorists should have the cooling system flushed and new coolant installed when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Depending on the type of coolant used, this is typically necessary every two to five years.
Tips to limit heat damage to your car
• Drive your car regularly.
• Park your car in the shade or in a garage when possible.
• Avoid using the battery to run lights, music, phone chargers, or other accessories when the engine is not on; these things will drain the battery.
• Keep the battery posts clean, clearing away dirt, grime, and corrosion.
Pack a vehicle emergency kit
As the summer travel season continues, AAA also reminds motorists to make sure their vehicle is stocked with an emergency road kit. A AAA survey showed that more than 40 percent of motorists do not have one at their disposal.
“No one ever plans to get stuck on the road,” says Weaver Hawkins. “For safety’s sake, every driver should have a well-stocked emergency kit that includes a cell phone and car charger; a flashlight with extra batteries; a first-aid kit; drinking water; extra snacks/food for your travelers and any pets; booster cables or portable battery charger, and emergency flares or reflectors.”
AAA Blue Grass