How Arizona’s Heat Affects Your Car—and What You Can Do About It
Tucson is no stranger to extreme heat. During the summer months, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to soar well above 100 degrees. While locals have learned to stay hydrated, find shade, and avoid peak heat hours, many forget that their vehicles also suffer under Arizona’s intense sun. At Friendly Automotive, we’ve seen firsthand how desert heat can wear down even the most reliable cars—and we’re here to help you prevent costly damage.
Here’s how Arizona’s heat affects your vehicle, and what you can do to protect it year-round.
1. Battery Breakdown
High temperatures can speed up the chemical reactions inside your car’s battery, which might sound like a good thing—until it leads to overcharging and a shorter battery lifespan. Add in the vibration from rough roads or potholes, and you’ve got a recipe for premature failure.
What You Can Do:
Have your battery tested regularly, especially in summer. We can check for signs of wear and corrosion and replace your battery before it leaves you stranded in the heat.
2. Tire Trouble
Hot asphalt and high air temperatures increase the risk of tire blowouts—especially if your tires are already underinflated, worn, or damaged. Heat causes air to expand, and without proper inflation, your tires are more likely to fail under pressure.
What You Can Do:
Check your tire pressure at least once a month and inspect for uneven tread wear. Make sure you’re using tires rated for Arizona’s road conditions, and rotate them regularly to extend their life.
3. Cooling System Stress
Your engine produces a lot of heat, and your cooling system’s job is to keep it within a safe operating temperature. In the middle of a Tucson summer, your radiator, coolant, and fans are working overtime—and if any part fails, your engine can quickly overheat.
What You Can Do:
Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and never ignore warning lights. Schedule cooling system flushes at recommended intervals and make sure your coolant level is always topped off.
4. A/C Wear and Tear
Air conditioning isn’t a luxury in Arizona—it’s a necessity. But when temperatures spike, your A/C system is put to the test. Low refrigerant, blocked vents, or worn-out components can lead to warm air blowing when you need cool relief the most.
What You Can Do:
Have your A/C inspected at the beginning of every summer. Our team at Friendly Automotive can recharge the system, check for leaks, and replace worn parts to ensure your comfort (and sanity) on the road.
5. Fluids Evaporate Faster
Extreme heat causes essential fluids—like motor oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid—to break down or evaporate more quickly. When these fluids run low or degrade, your car’s performance and safety can suffer.
What You Can Do:
Make fluid checks part of your regular maintenance routine. We’ll inspect all your vital fluids during every oil change or service to ensure everything is topped off and in good condition.
6. Interior and Exterior Damage
Prolonged sun exposure can crack dashboards, fade upholstery, and damage paint. Leather seats can dry out and split, while plastic components become brittle over time.
What You Can Do:
Use windshield sunshades, park in the shade whenever possible, and apply UV-protectant products to interior surfaces. Regular washing and waxing also help protect your paint from the harsh desert sun.
Stay Cool with Friendly Automotive
The Arizona sun is relentless, but with the right care, your car doesn’t have to suffer. At Friendly Automotive in Tucson, we understand the toll this environment takes on vehicles, and we’re here to keep yours running safely and smoothly—no matter how hot it gets.
Stop by for a summer checkup today and let our friendly, experienced team help you beat the heat before it beats your car.
This content is for general reading purposes only and not intended as professional advice.