High temperatures, traffic jams, long distances... Cars are put to the test during summer trips to the holiday destination. We tell you about the five most common breakdowns and how to easily avoid them.
Long summer trips to the holiday destination reveal or even cause more or less serious mechanical faults. However, most of the most common car breakdowns can be avoided by carrying out a basic inspection of the car before setting off. Carly, a diagnostic specialist, analyzes data collected from its OBD connectors to identify the most common malfunctions that motorists complain about in the summer.
Here are the 5 most common breakdowns and the cost of their repair
Contrary to popular belief, battery problems do not only occur in winter. Proof of this is that they take first place among summer breakdowns, since both heat and cold are factors that accelerate the aging of batteries.
Checking antifreeze and brake fluid is also mandatory before the road.
The air conditioning system, heavily loaded in high temperatures, takes third place on the podium. Before setting off, check whether refrigerant needs to be recharged, whether there is a freon leak from the system and whether the compressor is in good working order.
Lubrication problems that can affect the engine or gearbox (manual or automatic) are also numerous and are the most expensive to repair. For this reason, check the oil in both the engine and transmission.
Tires are no exception. The increase in their pressure due to heat actually increases the risk of bursting or premature wear.
A few minutes to avoid problems
Basic checks before setting off can significantly reduce the risk of damage. A visual inspection can make a big difference and avoid many inconveniences on the road. Checking the oil level, as well as the coolant, and topping up if necessary, prevents the degradation of these fluids at high temperatures, helping to protect the mechanics in these extreme conditions. Air conditioning diagnostics carried out by a garage can allow you to detect any anomaly. A quick check of the condition of the tires and their pressure adjustment when cold are essential to avoid over-inflation and limit the risk of a blowout, which could cause an accident. The battery voltage can finally be checked in an instant using a multimeter. A quick look at the brake fluid level can also save you from subsequent headaches.