Texas summers are brutal on vehicles. High ambient temperatures stress every system in your car — from the engine cooling system to the tires to the electrical system. Here's how to prepare and what to watch for when temperatures climb.
Cooling System Check
The cooling system works overtime in summer heat. Before the hot season, check coolant level, inspect hoses for softness or swelling, and test the coolant's freeze/boil protection with a tester. Coolant that hasn't been changed in 5 years is overdue.
Engine Oil
Heat thins oil — and thin oil means thinner protective film on engine components. Make sure you're running the manufacturer-specified viscosity and that you're not overdue for an oil change. Fresh oil with full viscosity protects better in summer heat.
Tire Pressure
Tire pressure increases roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F of temperature rise. Tires inflated to spec on a 60°F morning can be significantly overinflated on a 100°F afternoon. Check pressure when tires are cold (before driving) and in the morning for most accurate readings.
Battery
Contrary to common belief, heat — not cold — is the primary killer of car batteries. High temperatures accelerate internal corrosion and fluid loss in the battery. If your battery is over 3 years old, have it load-tested before the summer hits hard.
Brakes
Long summer road trips and mountain descents can overheat brake fluid. If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy on a long downhill drive, your fluid may be boiling. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years regardless of mileage.
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