Summer is coming, and hot temperatures can cause problems for your car, like your engine overheating. When the UK experiences heatwaves, your vehicle needs extra care to stay reliable. At First Auto Centre, we want to help you avoid breakdowns during hot spells.
Your Car Engine and Hot Weather
Your car engine gets hot when it runs – that’s normal. The cooling system takes this heat away to keep everything working properly. But when it’s already hot outside, your cooling system has to work much harder.
Engine Overheating: What You Need to Know
When hot temperatures stick around for days, your car’s cooling system can struggle. If your car is overheating, you’ll notice:
Steam coming from under the bonnet
A red warning light on your dashboard
A strange smell coming from the engine
If your engine overheats while driving:
Pull over somewhere safe as soon as you can
Turn off the engine to help it cool down
Wait at least 15 minutes for the engine to cool
Call for roadside assistance if you need help
To prevent overheating:
Check your coolant level regularly (only when the engine is cool)
Hot road surfaces and high temperatures make the air in your tyres expand. This creates high pressure inside the tyres, which can lead to blowouts.
Always check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. The Met Office often warns that the highest temperatures can make roads soften, which affects your grip and safety.
Battery Life in Summer
Many people think car batteries only fail in winter, but summer heat can be just as harmful. Hot temperatures make battery fluid evaporate faster. If your car struggles to start, get your battery checked right away.
Air Conditioning Tips
During high temperatures, it’s tempting to run your air conditioning all the time. This puts extra strain on your car engine. If your car starts to struggle in heavy traffic, turn off the air conditioning for a while to give your engine a break.
Looking After Your Car in Hot Weather
Important Fluids to Check
Hot temperatures make fluids evaporate more quickly. Check these regularly:
Engine oil: Helps reduce heat from the engine
Coolant: Your main protection against overheating
Brake fluid: Essential for safe stopping
Power steering fluid: Makes steering easier
Driving in Hot Weather
When the UK experiences very hot temperatures:
Try not to drive during the hottest part of the day (usually 11am-3pm)
Keep an eye on your temperature gauge while driving
Turn off the air conditioning if your engine temperature rises
Take water for both yourself and possibly your car’s cooling system
The Met Office provides helpful updates on hot weather conditions. Check their advice before long journeys during heatwaves.
Your Hot Weather Car Questions Answered
How do I know if my car is overheating?
Look for these warning signs: temperature gauge in the red zone, warning light on your dashboard, steam from the bonnet, or unusual smell coming from the engine. If you notice any of these, stop safely, turn off the engine, and let it cool down completely.
Should I turn off the air conditioning to prevent overheating?
Yes, if your engine temperature starts rising, turn off the air conditioning straight away. This reduces strain on the engine and helps your cooling system focus on keeping the engine cool rather than the cabin.
How often should I check my coolant in hot weather?
During hot temperatures, check your coolant level once a week and always before long journeys. Only check when the engine is cool to avoid getting scalded by hot steam or liquid.
What should I do if my car overheats on a motorway?
Safely exit at the next junction or pull onto the hard shoulder if there’s no exit nearby. Turn off the engine completely and wait for the engine to cool down. Call for roadside assistance rather than trying to fix it yourself. Never open the bonnet until the engine cools.
Keep Your Car Running Well This Summer
Hot temperatures don’t have to mean car trouble. With simple checks and regular maintenance, your vehicle can handle the heat without problems. At First Auto Centre, our summer service package includes checking all the parts that are affected by heat.
Remember: It’s much better to prevent problems than to break down in hot weather!
If you’re worried about how your car will cope this summer, bring it to us for a check-up. Our experienced mechanics will make sure your cooling system, engine oil, tyres and battery are ready for whatever the weather brings.
