Australian summers are no joke. If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ll know exactly what we are talking about. Long drives, scorching temperatures and heavy holiday traffic all place extra stress on your vehicle. 

Many drivers only think about winter dangers, but hot weather is one of the leading causes of car breakdown incidents nationwide. When temperatures rise, engines work harder, cooling systems struggle and tyres face intense road heat.

If you have ever thought, “Why did my car breakdown in the middle of summer?”, you are not alone. Below, we go through the most common warm-weather issues that increase the risk of a breakdown car situation, along with steps you can take to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Overheating engines and strain on the cooling system

Summer heat makes engines far more susceptible to overheating. When the weather is hot, your cooling system must work harder to keep the engine at a safe temperature. If any part of the system is worn or failing, the temperature can climb quickly.

Common causes include:

• Low or old coolant
• Leaking hoses or cracked radiator
• Faulty water pump
• Blocked airflow to the radiator

Signs your engine is about to overheat include:

1. The temperature gauge rising
2. Steam from under the bonnet
3. Sudden loss of power

If any of these happen, pull over safely and switch off the engine. Continuing to drive can cause serious and expensive engine damage.

Battery failures due to catastrophic heat

Most people associate battery failures with cold mornings, but heat can be just as damaging. High temperatures speed up the chemical reactions inside a battery, causing the fluid to evaporate faster. This reduces its lifespan and can leave you stranded with a car breakdown.

You may notice:

• Slow engine cranking
• Dim lights
• Electrical issues
• Clicking noises when trying to start

If your battery is more than three years old, a summer load test is a smart idea. Heat puts extra strain on all electrical systems, especially during long holiday trips with heavy air conditioning use.

Tyre blowouts from high temps

Hot roads and under-inflated tyres are a dangerous combination. As the air inside your tyres heats up, it expands, increasing pressure. If tyres are worn, cracked or incorrectly inflated, the risk of a blowout rises significantly.

Summer blowouts are especially common on highways, where higher speeds generate even more heat. A sudden tyre failure can easily turn into a breakdown car emergency or cause a collision.

Check your tyres before long trips by inspecting tread depth, inflating them to the recommended pressure and ensuring the spare tyre is in good condition.

Aircon system failure

Nothing is worse than your air conditioning failing on a 40-degree day. A failing aircon does not usually stop your car from driving, but it can be an early warning sign that the system is under heavy strain.

Common issues include:

• Low refrigerant
• Worn compressor
• Blocked cabin filters
• Faulty blower fan

A weak aircon system means your car must work harder to maintain cabin comfort. This increases fuel consumption and engine load. Fixing aircon issues early can prevent more serious mechanical problems later.

Importance of regular maintenance

Regular servicing becomes even more important in summer. Vehicles that are overdue for maintenance are far more likely to experience a car breakdown during hot weather. High temperatures reveal weaknesses in coolant systems, belts, hoses, electrics and tyres.

Before the summer season, schedule a full vehicle check that includes:

• Cooling system flush or inspection
• Battery load test
• Tyre pressure and tread check
• Air conditioning system test
• Oil and filter change
• Brake inspection

These routine checks significantly reduce the chance of roadside trouble and help your car stay reliable, no matter how hot the weather gets.

What to do if your car breaks down in summer

Even well-maintained vehicles can fail unexpectedly, especially during long holiday drives. If my car breakdown becomes your reality, the most important thing is to stay safe.

• Pull over in a safe location
• Turn on your hazard lights
• Stay inside the vehicle if traffic is heavy
• Avoid opening the bonnet if you suspect overheating
• Call a professional towing service for help

The heat can make roadside conditions more dangerous, so avoid trying to fix major problems yourself.

Call a professional towing service

If you experience a car breakdown in summer, do not risk further damage by trying to drive the car or waiting in unsafe conditions. Contact an expert towing service like Nationwide Towing & Transport, who can safely recover your vehicle and transport it to a repairer. Our team operates around the clock and has the equipment and expertise to handle breakdowns in any conditions.

Save our number, 134 869, so you are prepared for the unexpected. Hot weather is tough on cars, but with the right precautions and support, you can stay safe on the road and avoid the stress of a breakdown.

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