You already know what a Georgia parking lot feels like in August. Your car knows too.

Heat doesn’t automatically ruin a properly maintained vehicle, but it has a way of exposing components that were already getting weak.

Start With the Cooling System

The engine creates enormous heat even before Georgia weather contributes anything.

The cooling system has to keep operating temperature under control.

That means coolant level and condition matter. So do hoses, the radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fans and the system’s ability to hold pressure.

If the temperature gauge starts climbing beyond its normal range, don’t assume it’s just because the weather is hot.

A properly functioning cooling system is designed to control engine temperature.

Batteries Don’t Love Heat

People often associate dead batteries with cold weather. Heat can be hard on them too.

A battery that’s getting weak may start the car perfectly well until the day it doesn’t.

If the engine is cranking more slowly than usual, the battery is several years old or you’ve already needed a jump, have the battery and charging system checked.

A/C Problems Become Very Obvious

A marginal air-conditioning system might seem fine in spring. Then July arrives.

If the A/C isn’t cooling like it used to, there may be a refrigerant, airflow, electrical or mechanical problem that needs diagnosis.

Don’t assume adding refrigerant is automatically the answer.

Tires Need Attention Too

Tire pressure changes with temperature, and tires should be inflated according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification—not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.

The placard in the driver’s door area is normally the place to look.

Also inspect tread and overall condition.

Georgia heat plus highway speed is not where you want to discover a tire was already damaged or badly worn.

Check Fluids Before a Long Drive

Oil, coolant, brake fluid and other applicable fluids deserve attention before a summer trip.

If the vehicle has a leak, simply topping off a reservoir isn’t a permanent repair.

But discovering the leak in your driveway is preferable to discovering it on I-75.

Heat Doesn’t Create Every Problem

This is something we tell customers because it’s easy to blame the weather.

If a car overheats on a hot day, the weather may have increased the load on the system—but a healthy cooling system should still do its job.

If the battery dies in August, heat may have contributed—but the battery was probably already deteriorating.

Summer tends to expose weak links.

That’s why a little attention before the hottest part of the year can prevent a very inconvenient afternoon later.

Ready to get your vehicle checked before the heat sets in? Call Automotive Services at (770) 928-6126 or schedule online.

Related reading: Blog 4: A/C • Blog 11: Overheating • Blog 12: Road Trips • Services