Global warming may be questionable, but Texas summers are hotter than ever! Heat is the number one enemy of most vehicles...especially your A/C, battery, & engine cooling components.
Why Do Auto A/C’s Always Break Down In The Heat?
It is common to hear car owners screaming in exasperation in 100 degree temps: “Why does the AC always break down now?” Well, it’s not just bad luck; there are many reasons for it. The air conditioning system relies on many parts that all work together to keep your car cool. The A/C system uses a refrigerant to lower air temperature and carry away heat, which cools and dehumidifies the air flowing into the interior. For the system to work properly, several key components, including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, valves, and hoses need to be in tip-top shape.
Expert A/C Repairs At Rayford Road Location
Although air conditioning systems are typically very reliable, they can break down. It’s quite clear that car air conditioner repair is complicated and not something that you can do on your own. It takes years of experience and proper diagnostic equipment to rectify vehicle A/C problems. If you are having trouble with your car’s A/C unit, bring it to Ripley’s Total Car Care on Rayford Road in the Woodlands for expert & complete A/C repair.
Heat Is Tough On Car Batteries
Summer heat kills batteries 33% faster than cold temperatures. Did you know that when the temperature outside reaches 90 degrees, the temperature under the hood of your car can reach 140 degrees? Each time the thermometer gets that high, your car’s battery fluid evaporates faster & corrosion accelerates, too -- which can significantly shorten the battery’s life.
Recipe For Overheating Cars
Extreme temperatures can be brutal on your car’s engine. All that stop and go driving in Houston traffic under a blistering sun with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees is a sure fire recipe for overheated engines. Some of the most common reasons cars and trucks overheat are a faulty cooling system or low fluid levels. Signs of overheating include:
- dash light indicators
- engine pinging
- white vapor may emit from under the hood
If summer heat is causing problems for your car, visit or call the Ripley’s location nearest you.
A few tips to help you avoid some of the most common car problems caused by Texas heat:
Park in cool spots: Did you know that simply parking your car in shade can help prevent coolant leaks? Find a shaded parking spot & give your car a little break from the hot sun.
Air your car out: Getting into your car on a hot day and immediately starting the A/C is very bad for it. By doing this, you are making your A/C process a lot of hot air, creating a lot of wear on the various parts. So before you start your engine and the A/C unit, let some of the hot air dissipate by leaving the doors & windows open for a bit.
Take care of your battery: If there’s a sign of rust, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water, and put on a set of battery washers to keep it from corroding. Top any low battery cells with distilled water. Make sure the battery terminals and hold downs are tight.
Keep a cool engine: After using your car for the day open the hood for a few minutes to allow the components in the engine bay to cool down quickly. Check your car's fluids, such as engine coolant, break fluid, automatic transmission fluid, washer fluid, and engine oil regularly.
If your car is giving you some trouble during this tough Texas heat, it is important to find a reliable & trustworthy repair shop that has experts in their field. Call or visit one of Ripley’s Muffler & Brakes 3 locations: For A/C – Rayford Rd. in the Woodlands, Total Car Care, and for all other issues, come visit us at the 1960 & Kuykendahl location.
And just like Dad used to do…we’ll treat you like family!