Recognizing Engine Stressors During Summer

Summer brings warm weather, long drives, and, unfortunately, increased stress on your vehicle's engine. As temperatures rise, so does the likelihood of encountering issues that can affect your car's performance and longevity. Understanding these stressors and taking proactive steps can help keep your engine running smoothly throughout the hottest months.

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Heat: The Primary Culprit

The most obvious stressor during summer is the increased ambient temperature. High heat can lead to several engine-related issues:

• Overheating: Elevated temperatures can cause your engine to overheat, particularly if your cooling system isn't functioning correctly. This can lead to engine damage and, in severe cases, complete engine failure.
• Lubrication Breakdown: High heat can cause motor oil to thin out, reducing its effectiveness in lubricating and protecting engine components. This can increase friction and wear, potentially causing engine parts to fail prematurely.
• Vapor Lock: In extreme heat, fuel can vaporize in the fuel lines, causing a vapor lock. This prevents fuel from reaching the engine, resulting in stalling or failure to start.

Increased Load and Demand

Summer often means road trips, towing, and carrying heavier loads, all of which put additional strain on your engine:

• Towing and Hauling: Whether you're towing a boat, camper, or trailer, the added weight increases the load on your engine, causing it to work harder and potentially overheat.
• Air Conditioning Use: Running the air conditioning system continuously places an additional burden on the engine, as it requires extra power to operate. This can lead to higher fuel consumption and additional heat production.

Dust and Debris

Summer also brings with it an increased presence of dust, dirt, and debris, particularly if you're driving on unpaved roads or in rural areas:

• Air Filter Clogging: Dust and debris can clog your engine's air filter, restricting airflow and reducing engine efficiency. This can lead to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption.
• Contaminated Oil: Dust and debris can also enter the engine oil, reducing its ability to lubricate effectively and increasing wear on engine components.

Don't let summer engine stressors ruin your drives. Maintain your car with the best products from AMSOIL, available at Cam Synthetics in Concord. Check out our online shop for a complete selection, or call (704) 791-6900 for expert recommendations and ensure your vehicle's optimal performance.

Fuel Quality and Volatility

High temperatures can also affect the quality and volatility of the fuel:

• Fuel Degradation: Heat can cause fuel to degrade more quickly, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to engine knocking or pinging.
• Evaporation: High temperatures increase the rate at which fuel evaporates, which can result in a higher frequency of refueling and increased emissions.

Prevention and Protection

To combat these engine stressors during summer, consider the following preventive measures:

1. Regular Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, including regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and coolant flushes. This helps keep all systems running efficiently.
2. Check Cooling System: Regularly inspect your cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, and coolant levels. Ensure there are no leaks and that the coolant is at the proper mixture and level.
3. Use High-Quality Lubricants: Invest in high-quality motor oil that can withstand high temperatures and provide superior protection. Synthetic oils, like those offered by AMSOIL, are designed to perform well under extreme conditions.
4. Monitor Tire Pressure: Keep an eye on your tire pressure, as under-inflated tires can cause your engine to work harder and overheat. Properly inflated tires also improve fuel efficiency and safety.
5. Reduce Load: Minimize the load you're carrying or towing whenever possible. This reduces the strain on your engine and helps maintain optimal performance.

In Conclusion

Summer driving can be enjoyable, but it's important to be aware of the various engine stressors of the season. Understanding these stressors and taking proactive steps to mitigate their effects can ensure your vehicle remains reliable and efficient throughout the summer months. Regular maintenance, high-quality lubricants, and mindful driving habits are vital in keeping your engine running smoothly in the heat. Prepare your vehicle for the summer by addressing potential stressors, and enjoy a season of worry-free driving.

Prepare your car for summer with high-quality AMSOIL products sold by Cam Synthetics in Concord. Browse our online shop to discover the entire product range, and call (704) 791-6900 to speak to an oil pro for tailored advice. Protect your engine and enjoy a stress-free driving season!