The Effects of Heat on Car Components: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention

We tell you what breakdowns heat causes in the car, why they happen and how you can try to remedy them to prevent them from causing further damage.

Excessive heat can cause problems in the vehicle, damaging some mechanical components that require replacement to avoid a major breakdown.

What damage does heat cause in the car?

Heat is not a good ally for the components of a vehicle and high temperatures can cause serious engine damagethe battery, the windows… Discover how it affects each component and what you can do to avoid it.

Tires

The outside heat affects the asphalt temperature, which during the summer months can cause an abrasive effect on the tires. Excess heat causes, among other problems, the risk of punctures and premature wear of the wheels. In these cases, it is best to periodically check the condition of the tires and change them when necessary.

Battery

High temperatures affect car batteries, excessive heat in the battery can cause it to empty, which will cause the car to fail to start. In these cases, the best option is to ask for help to start the vehicle and go to a workshop so they can replace the battery. However, parking in cool places away from direct sunlight can also help you improve the life of your battery.

Starting motor

The starter motor suffers a lot from high temperatures and especially when humidity is very high. Check this piece frequently and try to park in places with stable temperatures and away from humidity. This will cause the car to have problems when starting.

Thermostat

The thermostat is the device in the vehicle that allows coolant to circulate continuously through the cooling system. In this way, you can adjust the engine temperature and ensure that the air conditioning in the cabin is correct. Excess heat can cause damage to the thermostat, causing it to not measure the temperature well, which will have consequences such as overheating of the engine and the air coming out of the ventilation slits not lowering its temperature. If you notice this happening you should go to the nearest workshop.

Engine temperature

This is the most serious damage that a vehicle can suffer due to heat. High temperatures can cause the vehicle to overheat and damage it irreparably.. However, to avoid this problem, it is recommended that you check the coolant levels and drive gently, without accelerating and without taking the engine to extremes for a long time.

Accelerations cause the engine to rev more than necessary to get the energy that allows you to move. With this, you increase the temperature of the engine and can cause it to overheat.

Turbo wear

The turbo is one of the mechanical components that can suffer the most problems with high temperatures. Excess heat causes the temperature to which it is exposed to be much higher and therefore work in an inefficient way. If the temperature is very high, the turbo cannot be refrigerated and maintain engine performance. To avoid turbo problems, a good practice is leave the engine running for about two minutes once you have arrived at your destination, especially after long trips, so that it is properly refrigerated.

Excess particles in the filters

Heat can increase blockages in car filters, especially since high temperatures outside can cause more suspended particles and make them more likely to accumulate in the filters. Check the filters frequently and change them when necessary to avoid more serious breakdowns.

EGR valve

The EGR valve is responsible for the recirculation of exhaust gases while the engine operating cycle is carried out. She is therefore in charge of the limitation of emissions of polluting gases to the outside. With heat, contaminating particles in the air increase considerably, so these residues can accumulate in large quantities in the valve, causing it to collapse.

Air-conditioning

Air conditioning is essential when outside temperatures are high, for this reason and because the use made of it during summer is greater than in winter, it is more likely to suffer a breakdown. To avoid having problems with the air conditioning when you need it most, you should keep in mind that it tends to break down if it has suffered a prolonged period of inactivity, so using it regularly will be enough to prevent it from breaking down in the heat. In addition, turning on the air conditioning from time to time will prevent bacteria and moisture accumulate.

Turn off the air conditioning before turning off the engineThis way the air compressor does not stop abruptly, avoiding stress on the cooling system. In these cases, you should always turn off the air first and then the engine.

Brakes

The breaks They can overheat in high temperatures and with excess weight. This causes them to wear out more easily and not perform their functions as they should, increasing the braking distance, which can be very dangerous on the road. To avoid this, it is necessary to check the discs, pads and fluid levels frequently, as well as not overload the trunk.

Practices to avoid heat breakdowns in the car

In many cases it is not possible to avoid high temperatures, but in other cases the vehicle can be prevented from suffering damage due to heat. To do this, a recommendation is that you always stations in places such as garages or parking lots so that the car is protected.

If you park on the street try to do it in the shade since if the car remains in the sun for many hours it can cause interior temperatures of more than 50 degrees, which causes damage to the components of the cabin.

These are the most frequent breakdowns in the car due to excess heat, the best option to avoid them is to carry out correct maintenance. It has the coverage offered by the MAPFRE Car Insurance to have peace of mind in the event of any unforeseen event that your vehicle may suffer.

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The MAPFRE editorial team has been providing you with content related to the automotive world for more than 10 years. Not only the best car and motorcycle models, but also sharing practical information about your vehicle: maintenance tips, driving tips, ways to save and road safety, among others. MAPFRE’s years of experience in the sector guarantee us as a source of truthful and practical information that helps you in the day-to-day life of your vehicle.

Published by MAPFRE Motor Blog