Summer is a great time to take your van out on British road trips. Alternatively, summer can be a busy time of year for tradespeople, regardless of the industry you work in. Either way, you need to make sure that your van engine is in top condition throughout the season. But what happens when the summer heat starts to cause problems? Rising temperatures can wreak havoc on the integrity and performance of your van engine. In this article, we’ll be explaining why heat affects engines, the problems it causes and how to prevent it from happening to you.
Why does heat affect van engines?
Your van engine will naturally generate heat when it runs. Under normal conditions, the cooling system will keep everything at a safe temperature at which to operate. However, during the summer, when the temperature naturally rises, it makes it harder for van engines to release heat efficiently. This means that your van engine has to work harder in order to stay somewhat cool. If your van engine cannot cool down efficiently, then problems begin to arise.
What common van engine problems does heat pose?
There are several issues that can be caused by the summer heat. From overheating to fuel system problems, and everything in between, the hot sunshine can cause more harm than you might have otherwise thought. So, what common van engine problems does summer heat pose?
Overheating
The most common issue that arises as a result of summer heat is the van engine overheating. As the outside temperature rises, the cooling system can become overwhelmed. This is especially the case if it’s not in top condition. Leaks, faulty radiators and low coolant levels can all contribute to this. If the van engine overheats and is subsequently ignored, then serious and irreparable damage can be caused.
Battery strain
Many people associate battery problems with winter. However, the heat can be just as damaging. High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate, therefore reducing its efficiency and shortening its lifespan. This can lead to battery failures, particularly in older van models. As such, the battery will need to be replaced if it’s showing any signs of weakness.
Oil breakdown
Engine oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts. This ensures the smooth running of the engine, preventing increased and unnecessary wear and tear. During instances of extreme heat, the engine oil can thin out and lose its overall effectiveness. This is what causes van engine components to experience more friction.
Fuel system issues
Summer heat can cause fuel to evaporate more quickly. This is especially the case with older vehicles. In turn, a vapour lock could occur. This happens when fuel doesn’t flow properly to the engine, therefore causing stalling or even difficulty starting.
How to prevent summer heat from affecting your van engine
The best way to stop your van engine from succumbing to intense summer heat conditions is to take preventive measures. This includes everything from checking coolant levels and testing the battery to changing engine oil and inspecting the radiator. Here’s how you can prevent the summer heat from affecting your van engine:
- Check coolant – coolant levels need to be correct, and the mixture needs to be balanced. Regularly look for leaks and top up when required
- Inspect the radiator – the radiator must be clean and free from debris. If the radiator is blocked, then the heat cannot be dissipated effectively
- Regularly change engine oil – use the right oil type for the weather conditions, and keep it fresh so as to maintain correct lubrication
- Test your battery – have the battery tested before peak summer hits. If it shows signs of weakness, then replace it as soon as possible
- Avoid overloading – don’t exceed your van’s recommended load capacity, generally. But this is especially the case during hot weather
Warning signs to look out for
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how much preventive maintenance you perform. There could still be a possibility that your engine becomes negatively affected by the summer heat when temperatures rise. With this in mind, even if you’ve carried out some preventive measures, you should keep an eye out for the following warning signs. This ensures that issues are identified early, therefore preventing more serious problems from occurring.
- A rising temperature gauge
- Steam coming from under the hood
- Reduced engine performance
- Strange smells, such as burning or coolant
- Unusual noises
VanServ has a team of highly trained and qualified mechanical technicians who are experienced in the field. If you’re experiencing van engine problems, or would like a health check to be carried out on your van before the summer gets into full swing, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.