August Car Care Tips from Your Texas Mechanic
- Kasi Drummer
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
It’s August in Texas, it's freakin hot y'all!! This week we are expecting the highest temperatures at 105°F.
It’s not just you suffering in this heat, your car feels it too. Every year around this time, we see the same problems rolling into the shop: overheated engines, dead batteries, blown tires, A/C systems that just can’t keep up.
So before you end up stuck on the side of the road waving down a tow truck, here are a few tips to keep your ride running smooth through the worst of the summer.
Keep an Eye on That Cooling System
When it’s 105° out, your engine’s working overtime just to stay cool. If your cooling system isn’t up to the job, you’re going to know it real fast.
What to do:
Check your coolant level regularly and top it off if it’s low. Make sure you’re using the right coolant mix for your vehicle.
Inspect your radiator hoses for cracks, bulges, or soft spots — these are early signs of failure.
Make sure your radiator fan kicks on when the engine gets hot.
If you see your temperature gauge climbing, turn off the A/C and turn on your heater to pull heat away from the engine until you can safely stop.
If anything is off, give us a call about our cooling system services.
Don’t Ignore Your Battery
People think winter is hard on batteries, but Texas summers can kill one even faster. Heat and corrosion are a bad combo, and here, a battery might only last you 2–3 years.
Get it load tested (a lot of places will do it free), and take a minute to clean off any corrosion on the terminals. A little attention now beats a dead battery in a grocery store parking lot later.
Check Tire Pressure More Than You Think
Hot air expands, which means your tires can go from “just right” to overinflated pretty quickly in August.
Overinflation = less grip and more blowout risk, especially on long drives.
Check your tire pressure in the morning before the sun starts heating them up. And while you’re at it, scan for sidewall cracks, the heat ages rubber faster than you’d think. Don’t forget the spare.
Take Care of Your A/C
When it’s over 100° outside, a weak A/C isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s dangerous. You want it blowing around 40–50° at the vents.
If it’s not, you might just need a refrigerant top-off or a cabin filter change. Either way, get it checked before you’re stuck sweating through traffic.
Pack for “Just in Case”
Nobody plans to break down, but if it happens in August, you’ll be glad you were ready. Keep a few bottles of water in the car, toss in some sunscreen, and carry a small first-aid kit.
A portable jump starter is worth its weight in gold if your battery dies in the middle of nowhere. Add a flashlight, phone charger, and basic tools, and you’re set.
The Texas heat is rough on cars. If you give yours a little extra attention this time of year, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle. And if you’re not sure where to start, bring it by S&S Auto and Diesel here in Mineral Wells. We’ll make sure your cooling system, battery, tires, and A/C are ready for whatever August throws at them.