The summer time is the perfect time for a road trip with the family. Before heading out on your trip, get acquainted with some common car troubles and how to prevent them.

Car Issues That Tend to Come up in the Summer

Car issues aren't just a summer time thing, but there are some very specific car troubles that seem to come up more often during the hotter months of the year. This is no coincidence, so it's best to get acquainted with these issues so that you can prevent them before they have a chance to put a damper in your plans. Below is some information on these issues and how you can successfully prevent them.

Dead Batteries

The winter cold is often blamed for battery troubles, and this isn't wrong. However, not many drivers realize that the extreme summer heat can actually cause more damage to their battery than the cold. The summer heat feels more extreme with every passing year and the humidity that comes with it isn't exactly pleasant. Unfortunately for your car, your battery will also feel some of the effects of the heat and humidity. To start, the heat can add extra strain to your battery since it will have to work against the heat to perform its regular job. The hot temperatures can also lead to your battery fluid evaporating. All of this can add up to a shorter battery life and can even lead to a dead battery. Another thing to look out for is the corrosion caused by the summer humidity. This can be spotted on your battery's connections, so be sure to check on these during the season. If you see some rust or corrosion forming, clean it off before the issues gets worse. If your battery is near its end, the summer heat can push it even closer to its final days. If you know your battery won't be good for much longer, it's in your best interest to invest in a new one this summer. Don't wait until your battery leaves you stranded on the side of road to check on it.

Overheating Engine

Contrary to popular belief, an overheating engine isn't caused by extreme outdoor temperatures. It is worth mentioning, however, that these can play a role in your overheating troubles. For your engine to overheat there has to be some type of issues already present in your cooling system or engine. Whatever issue you car has may not be huge, but the heat can make it worse. For example, let's say one of the fans in your cooling system has stopped working. Your car may be getting hotter than usual but not overheating. However, driving on an extremely hot day without a working fan can cause your engine to heat up even more than usual, leading to an overheating engine. For many car owners, detecting these types of issues before they turn into a serious problem can be tricky. Learn to read your temperature gauge and take note of what is normal for you car. You will also want to check on your coolant often and keep an eye out for coolant leaks. It's also never a bad idea to take your car in to get serviced. Another fluid to keep an eye on this summer is your motor oil. Although it's not part of your cooling system, your oil can also help keep operating temperatures down. If it's time for an oil change, make it s synthetic oil change in Ham Lake for the best results. For help fining the perfect products for your car, contact All Service Oil at (763) 257-3130. They will be happy to recommend products like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil.

Air Conditioning Issues

Many people think their air conditioning is just for comfort, but it actually plays an more important role than that. Since summer temperatures can reach extreme highs, they can certainly affect your wellbeing. While driving, these hot temperatures can cause you to get dehydrated, become less alert, and can even cause issues like heat exhaustion. It goes without saying that someone suffering from heat exhaustion is not safe operating a vehicle. This is where your air conditioning comes in. Sometimes it's not enough to roll down the windows and you will need to turn on your a/c. If it's not working, you can be in serious danger. If you notice your a/c isn't blowing as cold as before or it has completely stopped working, get it fixed as soon as possible!

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Minneapolis

If it's time for your next synthetic oil change, call All Service Oil at (763) 257-3130. They can help your find the perfect oil for your vehicle.