Beat the Heat: Essential Summer Car Maintenance Tips for Northeast Ohio Drivers

June 16, 2025

Summer in Northeast Ohio is a time for road trips, weekends by the lake, and countless miles logged under sunny skies. But along with warmer temperatures comes added strain on your vehicle. High heat can impact everything from your cooling system to your battery, making proper summer maintenance critical to keeping your car running smoothly.

At Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers, we’ve been helping drivers across Northeast Ohio stay road-ready for nearly 50 years. With 10 convenient locations and a reputation for honest, thorough service, our team is ready to make sure your vehicle can handle whatever this summer has in store.

Here’s your essential checklist for summer car care — and how Rad Air can help you beat the heat.

1. Check and Top Off Coolant Levels

One of the most important systems in your car during the summer is the cooling system. Without proper coolant (also known as antifreeze), your engine is at serious risk of overheating, which can cause catastrophic damage.

What to Look For:

Rad Air Tip:
If you’re unsure about checking your coolant or spotting leaks, schedule a comprehensive inspection with Rad Air. Our technicians will check coolant levels, inspect the radiator, and test for pressure issues to ensure your engine stays cool no matter how high the temperatures climb.

2. Inspect Belts and Hoses

Summer heat can wreak havoc on rubber components under your hood. Belts and hoses are especially vulnerable, and a failure here could leave you stranded on a hot day.

Signs of Trouble:

  • Cracks, fraying, or glazing on belts
  • Bulges, soft spots, or leaks in hoses
  • Squealing sounds from the engine compartment

Rad Air Tip:
During a summer prep service, Rad Air’s expert technicians thoroughly inspect all belts and hoses for wear and tear. Catching small issues early can save you from expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns during your summer adventures.

person holding a car battery

3. Test Your Battery

Most drivers think of winter when they worry about their battery, but summer heat can actually be just as damaging. High temperatures accelerate the chemical reaction inside the battery, which can shorten its lifespan dramatically.

Warning Signs:

  • Slow engine crank
  • Dim headlights or electronic malfunctions
  • Battery warning light on your dashboard

Rad Air Tip:
Rad Air offers battery testing at all of our Northeast Ohio locations. We’ll make sure your battery is charging correctly, check the terminals for corrosion, and recommend replacement if necessary — before you’re stuck in a parking lot in 90-degree heat.

4. Don’t Forget the Air Conditioning System

Nothing ruins a summer drive faster than a broken A/C system. Over time, refrigerant levels drop, filters clog, and compressors wear out, leading to weak or no cooling.

Common A/C Issues:

  • Weak airflow from vents
  • Strange smells when the A/C is on
  • Inconsistent cooling

Rad Air Tip:
Rad Air specializes in A/C system diagnostics and repairs. From recharging refrigerant to replacing filters, our technicians can restore full cooling performance, ensuring you and your passengers stay comfortable all season long.

5. Monitor Tire Health and Pressure

Hot pavement combined with under-inflated or worn tires is a dangerous combination. Tire blowouts are more common in summer, particularly during long highway trips.

What to Check:

  • Tread depth (minimum 2/32 of an inch, but 4/32 or greater is safer)
  • Tire pressure (refer to your owner’s manual for recommended PSI)
  • Uneven wear, cracks, or punctures

Rad Air Tip:
Stop by your nearest Rad Air for a tire inspection. We’ll check your tire pressure and tread, rotate your tires if needed, and recommend replacements if your tires aren’t up to the challenges of summer driving.

6. Stay on Top of Oil Changes

Hot weather can thin your engine oil, reducing its effectiveness in lubricating critical components. If you’re planning long drives or heavy city commuting, fresh oil is a must.

Indicators You Need an Oil Change:

  • Mileage since last service exceeds your vehicle’s recommended interval
  • Engine noise increases
  • Oil looks dirty or gritty when checked

Rad Air Tip:
Our oil change services include a full vehicle health inspection. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch any small issues before they turn into big problems during summer’s peak.

Why Choose Rad Air for Your Summer Vehicle Prep?

Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers have been a trusted part of the Northeast Ohio community since 1975. We offer:

  • Comprehensive multi-point vehicle inspections
  • Transparent recommendations with no unnecessary upselling
  • Skilled technicians who treat your car like it’s their own
  • Convenient online scheduling for all locations

Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to Lake Erie, a scenic drive through Cuyahoga Valley, or simply want reliable transportation around town, Rad Air is your go-to partner for safe, stress-free summer driving.

Find the location nearest you by visiting radair.com/locations, and schedule your summer inspection today.

Final Thoughts

Summer driving in Northeast Ohio should be fun, not stressful. By taking a little time now to prepare your vehicle for the heat, you can avoid costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns later. Trust the experts at Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers to help you stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy every mile of the journey.

Beat the heat this summer — with Rad Air on your side.