How to Navigate Common Summer Car Troubles

Summer in Burien means longer days, weekend road trips, and unfortunately, more strain on your vehicle. The combination of heat, extended driving, and heavy traffic can trigger a host of car problems, some of which can leave you stranded on the side of the road. That’s why seasonal maintenance is more important than ever.

Here are the top summer car issues to watch out for and how to avoid them:

1. Overheating Engine

When temperatures rise, your cooling system works overtime. Low coolant levels, leaks, or a failing radiator, thermostat, or water pump can cause your engine to overheat fast.
Avoid It:

• Check coolant levels regularly.
• Look for leaks or puddles under your car.
• Get your cooling system serviced before any long trips.

Need a coolant flush or inspection? Schedule cooling system service with us today.

2. Tire Blowouts

Hot pavement can cause the air in your tires to expand, increasing pressure. Combine that with worn treads or old rubber, and you’ve got a recipe for a blowout.
Avoid It:

• Inspect tires monthly for cracks, bulges, or low tread.
• Keep tire pressure within manufacturer specs (especially before road trips).
• Rotate your tires and replace them when needed.

We offer full tire services and inspections at ABC Auto Repair in Burien.

3. Weak or Dead Battery

Heat accelerates the chemical reaction inside your car battery, shortening its lifespan and increasing the chance of failure. High temperatures can also evaporate vital fluids and corrode terminals.
Avoid It:

• Test your battery's health twice a year.
• Keep it securely mounted and clean of corrosion.
• Replace older batteries proactively (3–5 years max).

Let us handle your battery testing and replacement before summer heat takes its toll.

4. Air Conditioning System Failures

Few things are worse than a road trip without working A/C. Summer puts heavy demand on your compressor, condenser, and refrigerant levels especially if you’ve skipped regular A/C maintenance.
Avoid It:

• Recharge your refrigerant before summer hits.
• Have your system checked for leaks or compressor issues.
• Change your cabin air filter for maximum airflow.

Ask us about A/C recharges and diagnostics for all vehicle makes and models.

5. Engine Sputtering or Poor Performance

Fuel can evaporate faster in high temps, especially if your fuel system is dirty or your filters are overdue. This can lead to rough idling, sputtering, or even stalling.
Avoid It:

• Use high-quality fuel when possible.
• Clean or replace your fuel filter regularly.
• Stay current with engine tune-ups and inspections.

Get better fuel efficiency and smoother drives with fuel system cleaning at ABC Auto Repair.

Keep Your Car Summer-Ready with ABC Auto Repair in Burien

From brakes and batteries to cooling systems and A/C performance, our expert technicians at ABC Auto Repair are here to help you beat the heat and enjoy worry-free driving this summer.