Common Reasons for Car Breakdowns in Summer — And How to Prevent Them

Vadodara summer + traffic jam + overheated car = perfect breakdown recipe. Every year, many car owners face sudden breakdowns on Ajwa Road, Waghodia Road, Old Padra and highways around the city – mostly because the car was not ready for the heat.

In this guide we will see the common reasons for car breakdowns in summer and easy steps to prevent them. Even if you are not a technical person, these checks are simple enough to understand and follow.

1. Engine Overheating in Traffic

High temperature, slow traffic and long signals mean your engine has to work harder while getting less air flow through the radiator. If the cooling system is weak, the temperature needle quickly climbs to the red zone.

Common causes

• Low coolant level or using only water instead of proper coolant.
• Old or leaking radiator and hoses.
• Faulty radiator fan or fan switch.
• Clogged coolant passages due to never-flushed coolant.

How to prevent engine overheating

• Check coolant level every 15 days in summer and top up with recommended coolant mix, not only water.
• Inspect hoses and radiator for wet patches, rust or white marks (signs of leakage).
• Ask your mechanic to confirm that the radiator fan starts when the engine gets hot.
• Get a cooling system service done before peak summer – radiator cleaning + coolant flush.

2. Weak Battery Giving Up in Heat

High under-bonnet temperature in Vadodara traffic can shorten battery life. A weak battery may still start the car in the morning but fail after a short stop at a petrol pump or shop.

Warning signs

• Engine cranks slowly in the morning.
• Dim headlights or dashboard lights while starting.
• Clicking sound when you turn the key but engine does not start.

How to avoid battery breakdown

• Get a battery load test done once a year, especially before summer.
• Clean battery terminals and apply anti-corrosion grease.
• If your battery is 3–4 years old, plan for replacement instead of waiting for a breakdown.

3. Tyre Burst on Hot Roads

Black tarmac in Gujarat heat becomes extremely hot. Under-inflated, over-inflated or old cracked tyres can easily burst when they expand on such roads.

Reasons for tyre failure

• Driving with wrong tyre pressure (too high or too low).
• Tyres older than 5–6 years with hard rubber and sidewall cracks.
• Frequently hitting potholes or speed breakers at speed.

Prevention tips

• Check tyre pressure when tyres are cold, at least once every 2 weeks.
• Follow the recommended PSI mentioned on the car’s door frame or manual.
• Inspect for cuts, bulges and cracks – replace damaged tyres immediately.
• Do not overload the car with luggage and passengers in peak heat.

4. Air-Conditioner Failure

In summer, AC has to work on full load for longer time. A weak AC not only makes the cabin uncomfortable but also puts extra stress on the engine.

Why car AC fails in summer

• Low refrigerant gas due to slow leak.
• Dirty condenser choked with dust and insects.
• Cabin filter blocked, reducing air flow.
• Cooling fan or compressor not working properly.

How to keep your AC chill

• Get an AC performance check done before summer starts.
• Clean or replace the cabin air filter every 10,000–15,000 km.
• Ask the mechanic to clean the condenser coil and check for gas leaks.
• Whenever possible, park in shade or use sunshades to reduce cabin heat load.

5. Fuel & Ignition Problems

Heat can expose existing issues in the fuel and ignition system, especially in older cars that are not maintained regularly.

Typical issues

• Clogged fuel filter causing poor pickup and stalling.
• Dirty injectors leading to misfire and jerks.
• Worn spark plugs causing rough idling and power loss.

Prevention

• Follow your car’s service schedule for fuel filter and spark plug change.
• Do not regularly drive on almost-empty tank – it heats up the fuel pump.
• Use good quality fuel from trusted petrol pumps.

6. Low Engine Oil or Wrong Oil Grade

Engine oil thins out faster in high temperature. Low level or wrong oil grade reduces lubrication and can lead to serious engine damage in summer.

How to protect the engine

• Check engine oil level once a month and before any long trip.
• Use the recommended viscosity grade as per your owner’s manual (often 5W-30 / 5W-40 for modern cars).
• Do not extend oil change beyond the recommended km or months.

Summer Road Trip Checklist for Vadodara Drivers

Before you drive towards Statue of Unity, Dakor, Champaner, Ahmedabad or Surat in peak heat, spend one afternoon doing this quick checklist with your local garage:

• Cooling system check – coolant, radiator, fan.
• Battery health test.
• Tyre inspection + pressure adjustment, including spare tyre.
• Engine oil level and condition.
• AC performance check and cabin filter cleaning.
• Basic tool kit, jack and warning triangle in the boot.

Final Thoughts

Most summer breakdowns do not happen suddenly – the car gives small warning signs but we ignore them due to busy schedule. If you prepare your car at the start of the season and fix minor issues early, you can enjoy a cool, stress-free drive even in Vadodara’s hottest months.

Need help with a summer health check for your car? Book a trusted service appointment in Vadodara and drive with confidence.