{"id":9833,"date":"2023-10-09T16:06:01","date_gmt":"2023-10-09T16:06:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=9833"},"modified":"2025-04-24T23:54:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T23:54:12","slug":"can-extreme-heat-cause-car-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/can-extreme-heat-cause-car-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Extreme Heat Cause Car Problems?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>According to climate experts, the world is getting hotter. For most of us, it has meant dealing with what feels like excessive heat during summer months. We long for winter and cooler temperatures. Aside from our own personal comfort, extreme summer heat can cause damage to our vehicles, homes and other items. Modern cars are designed to withstand a certain degree of heat, but over-the-top warming can be detrimental to your car\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Can extreme heat cause car problems? Yes, it can. However, don\u2019t despair. There are steps you can take to address problems caused by excessive warmth. One of the best things you can do is be prepared, so keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Extreme Heat Can Cause Car Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Intense heat and higher-than-normal temperatures can wreak havoc on many components of your automobile engine, including battery failures, cracked hoses and belts, failing spark plugs and fluids that affect things like power steering. Here\u2019s a look at some of the ways hot weather can affect other parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Oil Breakdown<\/strong>: Engine oil is the lubricator, helping all the moving parts engage smoothly. Extreme heat can cause oil to age more quickly than normal. As fluids go down, corrosion, sludge and abrasion go up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tire Problems<\/strong>: It\u2019s always important to use a tire pressure gauge to check your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-tips\/tire-care-tips\/\">tire pressure<\/a>, but even more so in increased (or decreased) temperatures. In the summer, your tires\u2019 air pressure increases and, in the winter, it decreases. The last thing you want is to deal with a flat tire on the side of the road \u2013 in any season, but especially when it\u2019s brutally hot or cold.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cooling System Stress<\/strong>: Your vehicle\u2019s cooling system is designed to keep your engine safe by allowing various components, such as water pump, radiator, hoses and coolant, to work together seamlessly. In over-the-top heat, any one part can fail, leading to a higher engine temperature and possible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/dashboards-lights-what-they-mean\/\n\">engine failure<\/a>. Driving in heavy traffic only increases the issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fuel System Imbalance<\/strong>: Your car\u2019s fuel economy is driven by how the fuel system operates when it \u201cdetonates\u201d the fuel\/air mixture. These chemical processes can be altered in hot weather, causing possible damage to spark plugs and piston rings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wiper Blade Failure<\/strong>: What you really want to see when you\u2019re suffering through a heat wave is the welcome raindrops of a thunderstorm. However, if your vehicle has been sitting in the hot sun for a while, you may not have healthy wiper blades when you need them the most. Heat may cause the rubber to degrade, so keep an eye on this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Intense heat can cause a lot of damage to anything it touches, including your vehicle. Staying abreast of regular maintenance \u2013 and maybe increasing your vigilance \u2013 can go a long way to making sure you aren\u2019t on the side of the road in a hot mess. Keep an eye out for low tires, coolant issues, the engine temperature, your car\u2019s battery and proper fluid levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4 Factors That Make Your Car Vulnerable to Heat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live in Arizona or any other southwestern desert, you may already know how certain situations can aggravate a hot summer, especially when it comes to your car. Here are some things to keep an eye out for and adjust where you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Extremely High Temperatures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lately it seems like almost everyone has been suffering from extreme temperatures. There are some situations where drivers need help, including when driving in heavy traffic. It\u2019s a good idea to leave a few minutes early or late \u2013 or find an alternate route &#8211; to avoid being stuck on hot asphalt while you and your car slowly come to a boil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Old or Poorly Maintained Cars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Older cars and those that don\u2019t receive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/5-essential-car-maintenance-tips\/\">regular maintenance<\/a> are more likely to suffer in the heat. If you aren\u2019t comfortable doing it yourself, ask your trusted mechanic for help. Things to keep on top of include battery fluid, other fluids, belts and hoses, oil, coolants and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Stop-and-Go Traffic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like heavy traffic, stop-and-go traffic is far worse in the heat than say taking a road trip or heading out for long distances. When you ask your vehicle to continue stopping and starting in extreme temps, issues may begin to arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Lack of Shade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As all desert dwellers know, you can\u2019t find much shade under a cactus. However, in hot temperatures, your best bet is to try to park in the shade if it\u2019s available. If not, a car cover or a windshield screen can help. Cracking the windows to allow some air exchange is also a good tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DirectiveNew-Car-Heat2.jpeg\" alt=\"Side-by-side image of heat-damage on the external and internal of a car.\" class=\"wp-image-9834\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DirectiveNew-Car-Heat2.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DirectiveNew-Car-Heat2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DirectiveNew-Car-Heat2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DirectiveNew-Car-Heat2-750x500.jpeg 750w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DirectiveNew-Car-Heat2-294x196.jpeg 294w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DirectiveNew-Car-Heat2-320x213.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DirectiveNew-Car-Heat2-285x190.jpeg 285w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exterior Car Damage in Extreme Heat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Excessive heat and sun glare can damage the exterior of your car in many different ways. There are steps you can take to protect that beautiful paint job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use a car cover<\/strong>: Find a car cover that is specifically designed to protect against UV rays if you park for an extended period of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wax and sealant<\/strong>: Car wax and paint sealant can help minimize fading and other issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep it clean<\/strong>: Regularly wash your vehicle to remove dirt and grime that can affect the finish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interior Car Damage Due to Heat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Intense heat and glare can also damage your car\u2019s interior. Aside from that, heat buildup inside the vehicle also causes degradation to your seats and other upholstery, plus plastic parts like your dash and panels. Here are some tips to reduce the toll on your interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Park in the shade<\/strong>: Park in the shade when possible. Use a car cover if parking for an extended period of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use a sun shield<\/strong>: A sun shield can reduce the glare inside your vehicle, as well as help keep the heat level lower.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Install seat and dash covers<\/strong>: Covering your fabric and plastic elements can help keep the sun\u2019s glare at bay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Ways to Cool a Hot Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting into a hot car is as bad as standing outside of one \u2013 or worse. But there are a few tips for how to cool your car down to a more comfortable place. It involves helping the hot air inside find an exit \u2013 as quickly as possible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Open windows and doors<\/strong>: the goal is to give the hot air a way out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Turn on the air conditioning<\/strong>: At first, you\u2019ll want to put it in ventilation mode, which draws in outside air to help push out the hot air. After that, switch the air conditioning system to recirculation mode and turn it up as high as it will go! Gradually, lower the AC down to a more chill setting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have patience<\/strong>: Your car isn\u2019t going to become comfortable in a few seconds. Just give it a few minutes and you\u2019ll feel much better!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, before you leave your car: Use a sunshade to block the sunlight and crack the windows, if it\u2019s safe to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can You Keep Your Car Cool and Trouble-Free in the Heat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We know that extreme heat can cause car problems and we\u2019ve learned some ways to reduce the threat. Some of the most important things to remember come down to basics. The best ways to care for your vehicle in extreme temperatures is to pay attention to parts and components that can spell disaster in these conditions if allowed to become damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Regular Maintenance and Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can help your car survive the summer heat by always doing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/summer-car-maintenance-checklist-dont-forget-these-5-items\/\">regular maintenance and care<\/a> \u2013 even more frequently under less-than-perfect conditions. Motorists who don\u2019t have the ability of a mechanic can simply take their car to the nearest shop, before the heat takes its toll. A little extra care goes a long way to protecting your ride that you depend on to get you where you need to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beat the Heat: Drive Safely and Minimize Car Issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everybody needs a little extra care in hot weather. That means your car, too. Take the necessary steps to get preventative maintenance, as well as finding the right auto insurance to protect you in other ways. At Freeway Insurance, we have the best prices and the best service. You can get a fast and free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/\">insurance quote online<\/a>, give us a call at <a href=\"tel:(800)%20777-5620\">(800) 777-5620<\/a> or stop in one of our convenient <a href=\"https:\/\/locations.freeway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">locations<\/a> today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to climate experts, the world is getting hotter. For most of us, it has meant dealing with what feels like excessive heat during summer months. We long for winter and cooler temperatures. Aside from our own personal comfort, extreme summer heat can cause damage to our vehicles, homes and other items. Modern cars are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1002630,"featured_media":9835,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,78],"tags":[],"importance":[],"type-content":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9833"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1002630"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9833"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9833\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11504,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9833\/revisions\/11504"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9833"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9833"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9833"},{"taxonomy":"importance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/importance?post=9833"},{"taxonomy":"type-content","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-content?post=9833"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}