As the sun shines year-round and the heat swelters in Central Florida, car owners must be prepared for various car troubles. From humid air wreaking havoc on your paint job to extreme temperatures causing mechanical issues, there’s a lot that can go wrong—and quickly! To help you prepare, we’re highlighting some of the most common problems that Central Florida drivers face and how to fix them.
Is Your Car Not Running Properly?
Battery Problems
The heat in Central Florida can put an extra strain on your car battery above and beyond what most people experience around the country. The warm weather causes corrosion on the terminals which then affects the electrical systems, reducing its ability to start your engine. If you have an older battery, it might need to be replaced as soon as possible. If not, it’s best to keep a close eye on it so you can change it before it fails.
Air Conditioning Issues
Your air conditioning system needs refrigerant (such as Freon) to cool your cabin efficiently on hot days. Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks are quite common due to the extreme conditions and age of many vehicles running around Central Florida roads today. Have your vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic at least once per year so they can check for any leaking seals or hoses that might need replacing before they cause major damage that need expensive repairs or leave you sweltering in traffic.
Rust Damage
Humid air combined with salt in the air from nearby bodies of water cause rust damage more quickly than other parts of the country where these conditions aren’t as extreme. You should make sure that you get rust-proofing added onto cars when purchasing new or used vehicles and also have rust removal done regularly if you find any appearing on your existing vehicle. This will help ensure that your car is running safely for years to come!
Tire Maintenance
Central Florida is home to some diverse terrain - from flat coastal highways to hilly mountain roads - meaning tire maintenance should be at the top of every driver’s priority list. Make sure you check your tire pressure every month or two since underinflated tires can affect fuel efficiency, and overinflated tires reduce traction. Additionally, if your car has been sitting for an extended period of time (for example during hurricane season), check that your tires still have enough tread depth before driving again – otherwise they may not provide adequate grip when braking or turning around corners. Last but not least, rotate your tires every 6 months or so - this will help ensure even wear and tear on all four tires, which will improve performance and extend their lifespan.
Headlight Maintenance
In Central Florida, where thunderstorms are frequent occurrences during summer months, headlight maintenance should also be a regular part of any driver’s routine upkeep checklist. Make sure you check all headlights at least once every few months for signs of fogging or condensation buildup which could reduce visibility while driving at night or during inclement weather conditions. If needed, replace the bulbs immediately – modern LED headlights last much longer than traditional halogen bulbs but they should still be replaced periodically as per manufacturer specifications for optimal performance.
Know About the Car Lemon Law
According to the Florida attorney general's office, the Florida Lemon Law covers new and leased cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs purchased or leased in Florida. It applies to vehicles with a “nonconformity” (problem) which substantially impairs the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle and has not been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The law requires manufacturers or dealers to either repair the defect free of charge or accept the return of the car and provide a refund or replacement vehicle. This is a newer law that many people are not aware of. Keep in mind that this is only for new and leased cars and not applicable for your used car.
Need Your Car Inspected? Visit Your Local Professional Mechanic.
Central Florida is notorious for its sweltering summer days and humid environment—both of which can take a toll on a vehicle over time if proper car care isn’t done regularly. At Ron Jon's Automotive, we know just how important it is for our customers in Central Florida to stay ahead of their car troubles with preventative maintenance services like battery checks, air conditioning repairs/refills, and rust proofing/removal services. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today so we can give your vehicle an inspection before summer really hits!