We’ve all done it. We take our car to have the oil changed and the technician approaches us with a dirty air filter. Reasoning that we can probably save a few bucks by buying it and changing it ourselves, we politely decline.
Saving money is fine so long as we remember to stop by the auto parts store and pick up a new, clean air filter and install it. But figuring out which filter fits our car can be a little daunting. Buying it and opening the hood to install it might get our hands a little dirty. So, we delay.
While a dirty air filter might not bring your summer plans to a screeching halt it can contribute to excess heat, more work for your car engine, stress on the cooling system and eventually a call to Paule Towing in Belleville for roadside assistance.
A clogged air filter isn’t likely to leave you stranded by the side of the road all by itself, but it is a sign of a neglected car. Think of it as just one of many stressors on your car that might add up to a call for a tow truck.
Summertime Car Overheating Can Be Avoided
What does a car air filter do? A car’s air filter is similar to those Covid-19 masks we’ve all been wearing. It filters out the pollutants, dust and grime that if breathed into your car’s engine can gunk it up.The more pollution your car breathes in, the more likely it’s going to have to work harder on that road trip or that trip to the grocery store. The harder your car engine works the more difficult it gets to keep the temperature gauge in a comfortable zone.
This means the demands of all your car’s systems controlling engine cooling, water pumps, air conditioning and everything else under the hood are stressed. Pretty soon something can’t take the pressure any more and you find yourself on the side of the road with your hazard lights on.
Engine Temperature Plus Summer Heat Can Add Up To A Broken Down Car
Earlier we compared your car’s air filter to a face mask. Imagine trying to run in the summer heat wearing a mask… and a dirty mask, at that! You wouldn’t do it to yourself, so don’t make your car wear a dirty mask. Replace that air filter.
And while you’re replacing your air filter, have a look at that cabin air filter. It filters the air coming into your car. Think: air-conditioning. Of course, have your oil and oil filter changed out regularly.
While you’re having the oil and air filters taken care of, here are a few more items to consider to keep your car from working too hard in the heat.
- Check your car’s tire pressure. Low tires cause excess resistance and make your car work harder while decreasing gas efficiency. For flat tire repair in Belleville, IL, call Paule at: (618) 233-7464
- Fill up your engine fluids to their recommended levels.
- Check your brakes. Stopping can be just as important as going.
- Check the wear and tear on your windshield wipers and replace them if necessary. Don’t forget to fill up the wiper fluid. Summer dust can make it hard to see.
A Cool Car is Less Likely to Be a Broken Down Car
Engines overheat. The summers in the Belleville area can put a car to the test. It’s important to keep your engine coolant flow as efficient as possible to avoid car breakdowns. From the radiator cap, to the radiator fan to the amount of coolant in your engine, lots of things can go wrong. But so much is under your control!
What should you do if you do find yourself with a broken down car in the Belleville, IL area? Get off to the side of the road and stay safe. If your car breaks down, turn on your hazard lights and call Paule Towing & Recovery at: (618) 233-7464
We hope you don’t need us, but if you do need Belleville’s best towing and roadside assistance, Paule Towing is here to help.