Summer brings freedom for people and their cars alike. After long winters, cold starts and stubborn locks fade into memory, and snow is no longer a daily concern. Yet some parts of a car, especially the heart of the machine, can struggle when the heat climbs. Here is a clear reminder of the summer challenges facing the engine and how to keep it running smoothly throughout the season.
The engine is the most valuable and demanding unit in a car, and summer heat can expose its weaknesses. Here are the common trouble spots and practical fixes that drivers in Canada and the United States should know about.
Overheating
Overheating is the top engine problem in hot weather. It happens when the cooling system cannot keep up or when the engine generates more heat than usual. A cooling system that performed reliably in milder seasons may reach its limit in the heat of summer. What goes wrong?
- First, check the coolant level. If it is low, proper cooling cannot occur. Only run the engine long enough to reach about 60°C before inspecting for leaks and repairing the source. After addressing the leak, refill the coolant to the recommended level.
- A blocked radiator is another frequent culprit. Heat transfer can suffer both outside and inside the system. The straightforward fix is to flush the radiator from the outside without removing parts. If that does not help, the radiator may need to be removed for a thorough internal flush, inspection for jammed fins, and, if necessary, replacement.
- The cooling fan can also fail. It is essential to have a working fan for summer driving; without it, staying cool is not an option.
- The thermostat may malfunction, failing to open fully and restricting coolant flow to the radiator. When this happens, coolant underperforms its job; the cure is to replace the thermostat.
- Rarely, the coolant pump can fail. If the impeller loses blades or stalls on the shaft, circulation stops and the engine overheats quickly.
In many modern cars, the thermostat is easy to access and does not require draining all the antifreeze. Summer heat can also raise engine heat when fuel with low octane triggers late ignition, making the engine work harder and generate extra heat.
Oil consumption
Summer conditions can increase oil consumption. Higher temperatures raise engine temperatures overall and reduce oil viscosity stability. The engine oil also loses its cooling role when the sump is under stronger airflow, and thinner oil tends to burn off faster, especially in engines with less robust oil cooling systems. On long, hot drives at higher speeds, oil use can accelerate, and the oil pressure warning may illuminate if levels drop too far. It is safer to check the oil with a dipstick rather than relying solely on dashboard indicators.
Drivers should monitor the oil level regularly and avoid pushing the engine to the limit in hot conditions. Keeping an eye on oil quality and quantity helps prevent premature wear and potential damage.
Irregular load and high pressure
Prolonged heavy loads in summer can stress the engine. Towing trailers, transporting heavy cargo, or operating at high RPMs near the vehicle’s upper limits leads to faster wear and a greater chance of component failure. Passenger cars generally operate under lighter loads than trucks, but repeated high-load drives can still push the engine toward its limits. If there are existing issues with engine components, the risk of deterioration increases. For those carrying heavy loads or towing, choosing the right vehicle for the job matters—this helps minimize strain and extends engine life.
In essence, indulging in peak-performance modes for extended periods without adequate cooling or lubrication accelerates wear. A practical approach is to consider a vehicle better suited for heavy-duty tasks when frequent high-load operation is expected.
The engine running under sustained heavy load uses more oil and puts extra stress on bearings and cylinders. The simplest rule is to match the task to the machine and avoid pushing it beyond its design. A vehicle that regularly meets heavy-duty demands benefits from proper maintenance and, when appropriate, more robust hardware designed for such use.
Also, a note for hard-working vehicles: a reliable plan for towing or hauling is essential, and sometimes it is more sensible to equip the journey with a purpose-built vehicle rather than pushing a regular car beyond its comfort zone.
Water intake and cooling
Summer floods and large water obstacles create unexpected risks on the road. Puddles and water crossings can overwhelm an engine intake if driven through at speed. Water entering the air intake can lead to a condition known as water hammer, where incompressible water compresses as the piston moves toward top dead center. This shock can bend or damage the piston, connecting rod, or cylinder walls, potentially requiring major repairs or an engine replacement. If an engine stalls after passing through a deep puddle, water hammer could be the culprit. The best practice is to avoid driving through deep water and stop to assess the engine if any unusual noises or performance changes occur.
Dust and air intake
Dusty conditions, common in arid regions, challenge the air intake system. The air filter’s job is to clean incoming air, but heavy dust can saturate the filter quickly and force dirty air into the engine. A cracked intake duct or loose clamps can also allow unfiltered air to bypass the filter, accelerating wear. For trips through dusty areas, drivers may want to prepare by replacing the air filter and even carrying a spare. It is wise to inspect the entire intake duct from the air filter housing to the cylinder head for leaks, as even a small gap can draw in dust and degrade performance.
The vacuum created by a running engine can even pull a loose filter out of its seat, allowing dust to slip into the intake path. Keeping the intake sealed is essential for protecting engine life in dusty environments.
Turbocharged engines
Turbocharged setups demand careful handling in the heat. While they deliver impressive power, they also require proper lubrication of the turbo bearings. After aggressive driving, if the engine is turned off immediately, the oil pump may stop delivering lubricating oil to the turbocharger bearings, causing damage due to rapid rotor rotation. A simple precaution is to let the engine idle for a minute or two after a hard drive before switching off, ensuring the turbo receives adequate cooling and lubrication.
In summary, by following these straightforward guidelines, drivers can enjoy reliable summer driving and minimize engine-related headaches.
- Practical ways to reduce maintenance costs are discussed in other resources.
- Additional tips and seasonal insights can be found in a broader automotive guide series.