Most Common Car Issues Calgary Drivers Face in the Summer
Summer in Calgary offers sunshine, road trips, and Stampede celebrations - but it also introduces a range of vehicle issues that drivers often overlook. While most Calgarians are well-prepared for the icy hazards of winter driving, many are caught off guard by the mechanical toll summer heat and rough roads can take on their cars. From failing cooling systems to suspension damage and underperforming air conditioning, the warmer months demand just as much attention to vehicle maintenance as the colder ones.
Cayden Young, owner and manager of Bowest Motors, offered expert insights into the most frequent summer auto repair issues in Calgary. If you’ve ever turned your ignition on a scorching day only to be greeted by a check engine light or a stifling blast of stale air, this guide is for you.
Insights from the Shop Floor: What We See Most Often
At Bowest Motors, summer vehicle issues are as routine as oil changes. Cayden explains that cooling system failures top the list, particularly among BMWs, which often use plastic expansion tanks. These tanks can become brittle and crack under high temperatures, causing coolant leaks and, in some cases, complete overheating breakdowns.
Beyond BMW-specific issues, Cayden notes that rubber components like belts, hoses, and bushings frequently degrade in the summer. Prolonged exposure to heat can dry them out, making them prone to cracking and failure. This can affect everything from the engine’s performance to brake system reliability, especially when brake fluid reaches boiling temperatures, which could lead to reduced braking efficiency. If you think you might be facing this problem, book a brake inspection today.
Also frequent are air conditioning failures, especially when Calgary experiences sudden heat waves like those during the Calgary Stampede. Many drivers realize their AC systems are underperforming only when it's too late. Compressor failures, condenser issues, and even evaporator malfunctions (often hidden deep inside the dashboard) can lead to costly repairs, especially if the system hasn’t been maintained.
How Calgary’s Heat and Terrain Impact Vehicle Performance
Calgary’s unique mix of weather and terrain creates a double threat for drivers in the summer. After months of winter frost, the roads begin to crack and shift, producing potholes, frost heaves, and uneven surfaces. These conditions are tough on your vehicle’s suspension, leading to frequent problems like:
Blown-out struts
Bent or damaged control arms
Worn-out tie rods
Faulty wheel bearings
Cayden explains that drivers often hear a minor clunk or rattle and brush it off. But those small noises can be early signs of serious wear. Left unchecked, a worn tie rod can compromise your steering system or even damage your steering rack.
Meanwhile, Calgary’s summer heat forces your vehicle to work harder to regulate engine temperature. This increased strain can lead to water pump failures, thermostat malfunctions, and coolant system breakdowns, especially in high-mileage trucks and SUVs that see frequent highway travel during road trip season.
And let’s not forget the infamous musty smell from the AC vents. According to Cayden, that odour often comes from condensation trapped in your vehicle’s air ducts, a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. It’s particularly common in older vehicles or those with rarely changed cabin air filters.
How to Prevent Common Summer Car Issues in Calgary
While some summer breakdowns can strike without warning, many are preventable with regular maintenance and a bit of driver awareness. Here are Cayden’s top tips to keep your vehicle in top shape through Calgary’s hot season:
1. Cooling System Check-Up
Schedule a cooling system inspection before the temperature soars. Replace any brittle or aged plastic tanks and ensure your radiator, water pump, and thermostat are functioning properly.
2. Replace Worn Rubber Components
Have your belts, hoses, and bushings checked for dryness or cracking. Replacing these inexpensive parts early can save you from major engine damage later on.
3. Watch for Suspension Warning Signs
If you hear clunking, rattling, or notice steering looseness, get a steering and suspension inspection. Suspension issues can worsen quickly and compromise both handling and safety.
4. Replace Your Cabin Air Filter
Your cabin filter cleans the air that circulates through your vents. If it’s clogged with pollen, dust, or even pine needles (yes, really), your airflow and air quality will suffer.
5. Get a Wheel Alignment Once a Year
Potholes and uneven roads can knock your alignment out fast. Cayden recommends a wheel alignment at least once a year, with steering and suspension checks twice a year to catch seasonal damage.
6. When in Doubt, Complete a Full Inspection
A full inspection, at any time of year, ensures that your vehicle is in top shape. Our trusted automotive experts will catch any parts of your vehicle that might need maintenance or repair. Preventive maintenance often saves your vehicle from costly repairs down the road, as well as extending its lifespan.
When to Bring Your Vehicle In: Warning Signs to Watch For
Calgary drivers often delay repairs in hopes that minor issues will resolve on their own. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. Here are the most commonly ignored issues Cayden sees—and the consequences of putting them off:
1. "It's Just a Clunk" Syndrome
That seemingly harmless noise can be an early warning sign of a failing suspension or steering component. Left alone, it could lead to expensive damage across your whole suspension system.
2. Dashboard Warning Lights
Ignoring your check engine light is a gamble. Once it’s on, you won’t know if new issues arise. A simple diagnostic can reveal hidden problems before they escalate.
Vehicles Worth the Extra Attention
If you drive an older SUV or high-mileage truck, such as a Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, or Ford F-150, you’ll want to pay extra attention to summer maintenance. These hardy vehicles often see year-round use - from daily commutes in the winter to long road trips in the summer, which means they rarely get downtime. As a result, Bowest Motors frequently sees these models come in during the hotter months with cooling system failures, suspension wear, and drivetrain issues. If you're planning a weekend trip to the Okanagan or heading out for Stampede festivities, don't wait until your vehicle overheats or breaks down. Staying on top of routine inspections and preventive repairs is especially important for these hard-working vehicles, and will let you get more value out of them, longer!
When in doubt, don’t wait. Early intervention is always cheaper than a full breakdown.
