Summer season is challenging not only for us but also for our cars. As the temperature rises, it affects your car’s engine, battery, tyres, and fuel consumption. Heat increases the stress on the engine, which can increase fuel consumption and reduce the car’s performance. If hot weather engine performance is not managed properly, it can lead to problems.
Effect on Engine Performance in Summer
The Engine May Overheat
In summer, the car’s engine heats up quickly, especially when driving slowly in traffic. The fan and cooling system work harder to keep the engine cool, which increases fuel consumption.
If the engine gets too hot, overheating can occur, which can also damage the engine. Hot weather can affect engine performance, which can lead to heavy repair costs.
Increased Pressure on the Cooling System
The cooling system plays an important role in keeping the engine cool. If the coolant level is not correct, the engine can heat up quickly. Therefore, check the coolant from time to time and replace it if necessary.
The Effect of Engine Oil
Engine oil can become thinner in the heat, which reduces lubrication of engine parts and increases friction. This can lead to poor engine performance and early maintenance. To maintain good hot weather engine performance, use the correct engine oil for the heat.
Effect on Fuel Efficiency in Summer
Fuel car summer issues may increase fuel consumption, but in some cases, fuel efficiency may also improve.
How to Increase Fuel Efficiency?
-
In summer, the engine reaches operating temperature quicker, making the car run more efficiently.
-
Summer-grade petrol makes more power, which can increase mileage slightly.
-
Warm air is less dense than cold air, reducing aerodynamic drag and making the car less effort to steer.
Effect of A/C on Fuel Efficiency
Excessive use of air conditioning (A/C) puts strain on the engine and can increase fuel consumption by up to 25%, especially over short distances.
Why Does A/C Burn More Fuel?
-
The A/C compressor draws power from the engine, which consumes more fuel.
-
If the car is already warm and you turn on the A/C, it will consume more fuel.
Effect of Open Windows
In the summer, many people drive with the windows open to save A/C, but this can affect fuel efficiency.
-
Open windows at low speeds do not have much effect.
-
At high speeds on the highway, open windows increase air pressure, which puts more load on the engine and increases fuel consumption.
Tyre Performance and Fuel Consumption
Heat can increase tyre pressure, which can make the car difficult to control and affect safety. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can affect fuel efficiency. Proper tyre maintenance is necessary to avoid fuel car summer issues.
Ways to Maintain Fuel Efficiency in Summer
ou can maintain fuel efficiency even in summer by adopting correct driving techniques.
Use A/C Wisely
-
Open the windows at slow speeds, but use A/C on the highway.
-
Don’t set the A/C temperature too low.
-
First open the windows to let out the hot air, then turn on the A/C.
Park the Car in the Shade
Parking the car in the sun can increase the temperature of the car. To avoid this:
-
Always park in the shade.
-
Use sunshades and window visors so that the car does not get too hot from inside.
Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure
Too much or too little air in tyres affects mileage. Maintaining correct pressure helps save fuel.
Check the Engine and Coolant
To prevent the engine from overheating:
-
Change the engine oil on time.
-
Check the coolant level and replace it if needed. Hot weather engine performance depends on the cooling system, so its maintenance is important.
Do Not Turn on the A/C Before Starting the Car
Many people turn on the A/C before starting the car, which wastes fuel. First drive the car for a while, then turn on the A/C. Use A/C properly to avoid fuel car summer issues.
How to Take Care of the Battery in Summer?
Batteries are more affected in summer. Extreme heat can destabilize the chemicals in the battery, causing it to deteriorate quickly.
To maintain the battery:
-
Keep the battery terminals clean.
-
The battery fluid can dry out quickly, so check it regularly.
-
If the battery is old, replace it in time.
Conclusion
Summer affects your car’s engine, fuel efficiency, battery, and tyres. But if you follow some simple tips, you can keep your car in better condition.
Important Points:
-
Use A/C properly and avoid driving with the windows open.
-
Park the car in the shade and turn on the A/C to let out hot air.
-
Check the engine oil, coolant, and battery regularly.
-
Keep the tyre pressure correct to reduce fuel consumption.
Also Read: 6 Summer Car Tips to Keep Your Cooling Engine Safe