Summer Car Troubles That Hit Utah Drivers Hard
Summer in Salt Lake City brings beautiful mountain views, outdoor adventures, and scorching temperatures that can push your vehicle to its limits. With temperatures regularly climbing into the 90s and sometimes over 100 degrees, Utah's intense summer heat creates unique challenges for drivers throughout the Wasatch Front.
Whether you're commuting through downtown Salt Lake City or heading up to Park City for a weekend getaway, your car faces serious stress during these hot months. Here are the most common summer car problems that plague Utah drivers and what you can do about them.
Overheating Engines Are Summer's Biggest Threat
Utah's dry heat and high altitude make engine overheating the number one summer car problem. When you're stuck in traffic on I-15 or climbing steep grades toward the mountains, your engine works overtime. The combination of hot asphalt radiating heat and intense UV rays beating down creates the perfect storm for cooling system failures.
Signs your engine might be overheating include:
- Temperature gauge creeping into the red zone
- Steam coming from under the hood
- Sweet smell of coolant
- Reduced engine performance
What to do: Pull over immediately if you notice any overheating signs. Let your engine cool completely before checking coolant levels. Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot.
Air Conditioning Systems Give Out When You Need Them Most
Nothing's worse than your AC failing during a July heat wave in Salt Lake City. Utah's extreme temperatures put enormous strain on air conditioning systems, causing refrigerant leaks, compressor failures, and electrical problems.
Common AC issues include:
- Warm air blowing instead of cold
- Unusual noises when AC is running
- Weak airflow from vents
- Bad smells coming from the system
Prevention tip: Run your AC regularly, even in winter, to keep seals lubricated and components working properly.
Tire Blowouts Spike During Hot Weather
Hot pavement temperatures in Utah can reach 140°F or higher during summer afternoons. This extreme heat causes tire pressure to increase rapidly, putting stress on already worn tires. The combination of hot roads and high speeds on highways like I-80 and I-15 creates dangerous conditions for tire failure.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Visible cracks or bulges in tire sidewalls
- Uneven tread wear patterns
- Vibration while driving
- Frequent need to add air
Safety reminder: Check tire pressure weekly during summer months. Hot tires can be 4-6 PSI higher than when cold.
Battery Problems Don't Just Happen in Winter
Many Utah drivers think battery problems only occur during cold winter months, but extreme heat actually causes more battery failures than cold weather. High temperatures speed up chemical reactions inside batteries, leading to faster corrosion and shorter battery life.
Summer battery warning signs:
- Slow engine cranking
- Dim headlights
- Dashboard warning lights
- Corroded battery terminals
Pro tip: Have your battery tested before summer heat peaks. Most batteries last 3-5 years in Utah's climate.
Cooling System Components Work Overtime
Your car's cooling system battles Utah's heat all summer long. Radiators, water pumps, thermostats, and hoses face constant stress from temperature extremes. One failed component can leave you stranded on the side of the road during a family trip to Antelope Island or Lake Powell.
Key components that often fail:
- Radiator hoses that crack from heat cycling
- Water pumps that wear out from constant use
- Thermostats that stick in closed position
- Radiators that develop leaks
Fuel System Issues Rise with Temperature
Hot weather affects your fuel system too. Gas expands in heat, potentially causing overflow issues. Fuel lines can develop vapor bubbles that interfere with proper fuel delivery. These problems are especially common in older vehicles or those with high mileage.
Don't Let Summer Heat Strand You
Utah summers are too short to spend them dealing with car breakdowns. Regular maintenance and proactive repairs keep you on the road and enjoying everything the Beehive State has to offer.
Ready to Beat the Heat?
Don't wait for summer car problems to leave you stranded in Salt Lake City traffic or on a mountain road. The ASE-certified technicians at Jones Complete Car Care specialize in keeping Utah vehicles running strong through extreme weather conditions.
Whether you need cooling system repairs, AC service, tire replacement, or a comprehensive summer maintenance check, we have three convenient locations in Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, and Clearfield to serve you. Our family-owned business has helped local drivers for years, and we back all our work with a nationwide warranty.
Schedule your summer car care appointment today by calling (801) 896-9743 or booking online. Beat the heat before it beats your car!
