6 Summer Habits That Ruin Your Car and Empty Your Wallet: Beware of AC, Tires, and Low Fuel

As temperatures rise during the summer season, your car becomes more susceptible to breakdowns if it doesn't receive proper care. Experts warn that some seemingly simple daily habits can lead to significant damage to important components or increase fuel consumption, especially during the frequent travel and summer vacations.

Common Mistakes That Accelerate Wear in Summer

To avoid high maintenance costs and keep your vehicle performing at its best, here are the top habits to avoid. First, turning the air conditioning to maximum immediately upon entering the car puts a heavy strain on the system. Experts recommend opening the doors or windows for 30 to 60 seconds to expel the hot air, then turning on the AC with the recirculation mode activated to cool the cabin faster.

Preventive Maintenance for Cooling and Tires

Second, ignoring the coolant level is a critical mistake. Coolant acts as the first line of defense against engine overheating. A low level or expired fluid can cause severe overheating, especially during long drives or in heavy traffic. Third, failing to regularly check tire pressure is a major hazard. In summer, the air inside tires heats up, which can affect pressure and increase the risk of wear or a blowout. It is best to check pressure according to the manufacturer's recommended values.

Mistakes Inside and Outside the Cabin

Fourth, leaving sensitive items inside the car can ruin them, as cabin temperatures can exceed 60 degrees Celsius. This heat can damage power banks, phones, laptops, medicines, perfumes, and even some carbonated drink cans. Fifth, washing the car while it is hot harms the paintwork. Spraying cold water on a hot body can leave permanent marks over time. It is preferable to wash the car early in the morning or after it has completely cooled down.

Driving and Maintenance Habits to Correct

Sixth, driving with a nearly empty fuel tank is harmful. In hot weather, the fuel itself helps cool the fuel pump inside the tank. Constantly relying on low fuel levels can reduce the pump's efficiency in the long run. Seventh, neglecting the car battery is another oversight. Many believe winter is the battery's biggest enemy, but high heat can accelerate the evaporation of internal fluids and shorten its lifespan, especially if the battery is old. Finally, it is important to know when it is better to open the windows instead of using the AC to save fuel and preserve the system.