A hot summer grows more frustrating when car batteries die

The summer heat can become a bigger headache when we’re suddenly stuck on the road with car trouble. Batteries die. Tires wear out, blow out, go flat. And drivers, in a haste, lock themselves out of cars.

Roadside helpers and mechanics see a rise in such car woes as temperatures climb each summer — and this scorching summer has been no exception, with July marking one of the most persistent extreme heat waves in recent years.

What can Floridians do to avoid such problems?

Here’s what car experts suggest for keeping our car running (and keeping our cool).

The three most common issues that arise with intense heat are dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts, said Michele Harris, director of Florida public affairs for AAA.

“As it relates to batteries, for example, last summer, AAA responded to two million calls for dead batteries,” Harris said. “Many times, people will see a slow start, or a stuttered start, or their headlights dimming and things like that.”

But it’s not always that obvious when a car battery is heading toward the light. That’s why paying attention to battery life is important, Harris said. A general rule is to pay close attention to batteries between three and five years old, because old batteries are especially susceptible to the heat.

Considering high temperatures speed up the chemical reactions in batteries, they tend to age faster in the summer, according to Consumer Reports. And that same heat can cause the rubber in tires to degrade more rapidly, leading to flat tires and blowouts.

“We also responded to over one million calls for flats last summer,” Harris said. “And that was mostly due to underinflated tires, which are more likely to overheat.”

With the seasonal influx of stalled vehicles means more people stuck in the heat. While waiting for help, Harris recommends to pack an emergency kit with items like extra water, snacks, first aid and fresh batteries.

“You never know if you do get stuck on the side of the road for something that could take minutes to fix,” Harris said.

That’s why while planning the summer road trip, AAA recommends getting a routine checkup at the auto repair shop. Because like battery health, there are many issues that aren’t always apparent on the surface. That includes fluids such as engine oil, coolant and transmission fluids.

Extreme heat can cause these fluids to evaporate or degrade, and can even result in vapor lock in older vehicles, when fuel being delivered to the engine changes from liquid to gas, which leads to stalling.

This is especially relevant to Ty Houck, owner of Ragtops Motorcars, a vintage car dealership in Lake Worth. As someone who names his cars much like one does their children, he has some advice for car owners.

“I’ve been doing this for 40 years and the worst thing you can do to a car is to let it sit,” Houck said. “Leaving it out in the sun all day is just inviting trouble.”

In Florida, a car parked under the sun is also a recipe for the notorious seat-belt burns.

To avoid getting into a rolling furnace, Houck recommends covering the interior with a windshield reflector, a towel on the steering wheel and even a glove on the gear shift. Little things like windshield shades are proven to reduce the cabin temperature by an average of 15 degrees, according to a University of Central Florida study.

“I don’t think there’s one secret to keeping your car cool,” Houck said. “Just be aware of the risks and don’t park your dog or kids in it.”

As the temperatures continue to climb, keep an eye on battery life, check tire pressure and tread depth, top off the fluids, make sure to have an emergency kit and get regular check-ups.

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