Late Summer Car Maintenance Tips for Colorado Springs Drivers

August 2025

Late summer in Colorado Springs looks great on the surface, but this stretch of the season brings its own set of challenges. From high heat and surprise storms to long road trips and back-to-school traffic, now is the time when vehicles start showing signs of strain.

At Express Auto Repair, we’ve helped thousands of Colorado Springs drivers avoid late-summer breakdowns with preventative maintenance designed for our region’s climate and terrain.

If you’ve noticed sluggish performance, soft tires, or odd engine noises, this is your chance to get ahead of it. Let’s dive into the services your vehicle needs to handle the rest of summer with confidence, and without surprises.

Understanding What Summer Does to Your Car

Before we dive into tips, let’s look at how summer affects vehicle systems. While winter often gets the blame, summer brings its overlooked challenges:

High temperatures thin engine oil, reducing lubrication
Tire pressure rises, raising the risk of blowouts
Rubber belts and hoses degrade faster
Cooling systems work harder in traffic and climbs
Battery performance drops as fluid evaporates

Colorado Springs drivers also face unique variables. The city sits over 6,000 feet in elevation, meaning less oxygen for your engine and thinner air for cooling. Combine that with unpredictable storms and long drives into the mountains, and you’ve got a recipe for breakdowns, unless you’re prepared.

1. Coolant System: Your First Line of Defense Against Overheating

Your cooling system doesn’t just keep the engine from running hot. It protects internal components from warping or cracking.

Here’s what needs to be inspected:

Coolant level and quality: Old or low coolant loses effectiveness
Radiator: Cracks, corrosion, or clogs can reduce cooling capacity
Thermostat and water pump: These regulate coolant flow and must function correctly

Even if your temperature gauge looks fine, underlying issues may not be obvious until you’re stuck in traffic or towing up a hill. If your car starts running hotter than normal or you notice a sweet smell under the hood, don’t wait.

Schedule a coolant inspection with Express Auto Repair before you hit the road.

2. A/C System: More Than Just a Comfort Feature

Your air conditioning system is working harder than ever during Colorado’s high summer temperatures. What many drivers don’t realize is that an underperforming A/C can impact more than comfort. It can strain other systems, reduce fuel efficiency, and lead to electrical issues.

Key signs your A/C needs attention:

Warm air blowing through the vents
Weak airflow even at max settings
Musty or unusual smells

These issues are often caused by low refrigerant levels, worn compressors, or cabin air filter blockages.

Book an A/C check to stay cool and prevent system failure in the heat.

3. Tire Pressure and Alignment: Stay Grounded on Hot Asphalt

Your tires are your only point of contact with the road, and they react directly to outside temperatures. For every 10 degrees the temperature rises, tire pressure can increase by 1 PSI. That might not sound like much, but it’s enough to throw off handling and wear patterns.

In summer, this can lead to:

Overinflated tires with less contact area, meaning less traction
Uneven wear, especially during longer trips
Higher chance of blowouts on long highway drives

Check tire pressure at least twice a month and after major temperature swings. If you notice the vehicle pulling to one side, it might be time for a wheel alignment as well.

With back-to-school traffic starting up soon, you’ll want your tires in top shape for all those school drop-offs and pickups. Schedule a tire check today.

4. Battery Performance: Why Summer Is Tough on Power

Cold weather is notorious for killing batteries, but summer is just as damaging. Heat causes the battery fluid to evaporate, which leads to internal damage and shortens its lifespan.

Common signs of battery trouble:

Car takes longer to start
Headlights dim when the engine is off
Corrosion on battery terminals

If your battery is over three years old or if you’re planning a road trip, have it tested. It’s a quick and inexpensive check that could prevent a tow later.

5. Don’t Forget Your Brakes in Summer Traffic

Stop-and-go summer traffic, mountain descents, and frequent road construction can wear brakes faster than usual. While they might seem fine during daily driving, signs of trouble often show up during longer trips.

Have your brakes inspected if you notice:

Squealing or grinding noises
A soft or spongy brake pedal
A shaking or vibrating steering wheel when stopping

At Express Auto Repair, we provide digital vehicle inspections so you can see exactly what needs attention, complete with photos and videos delivered directly to your phone.

6. Clean Filters, Clear Vision

Air filters and cabin filters are your car’s first line of defense against pollen, dirt, and road debris, things that are especially common during Colorado summers. A clogged filter can reduce fuel efficiency and restrict airflow in both the engine and the cabin.

If you’ve driven through a lot of dust, construction zones, or wildfire smoke, it’s a good idea to have your filters checked and replaced. Consider it part of your back-to-school car checklist, especially if your family carpools or travels frequently in town.

Belts, Fluids & Friction: What You Can’t See Might Hurt You

Hot weather makes all your vehicle’s fluids more volatile. Transmission, power steering, and brake fluids can degrade faster in extreme heat.

Belts also suffer. Rubber components can dry, crack, or snap, especially in older or high-mileage vehicles. A single broken belt can disable multiple systems at once.

Request a full under-the-hood inspection that includes belts, hoses, and fluids to prevent failure.

Extra Tip: Pre-Trip Inspections Are Non-Negotiable

If you’re heading to the mountains, the lake, or out of state, don’t skip your pre-trip inspection. Even if your car feels fine, long-distance driving and elevation changes can expose hidden problems that might not show up during short commutes.

Here’s what to include:

Battery and charging system
Tires, including spare
Fluids: oil, coolant, brake, and transmission
Lights, wipers, and washer fluid
Belts and hoses
Brake pad thickness

A Quick History Check: Are You Due for Summer Maintenance?

This section is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most helpful.

Go back and check your last service records or digital inspections. Ask yourself:

Has it been more than 5,000 miles since your last oil change?
When was the last time the brake fluid or coolant was flushed?
Have your tires been rotated or aligned this year?
Is your cabin air filter older than 12 months?

If you’re unsure about any of these, now is the right time to catch up. With the last weeks of summer and school routines starting back up, it’s better to handle routine care now than risk a breakdown during busy weekday mornings.

What Sets Express Auto Repair Apart in Colorado Springs

Once you’ve made the decision to get your car summer-ready, you need a shop that combines convenience, expertise, and trust.

At Express Auto Repair, you get:

Over 20 years of experience serving local drivers
Certified ASE Blue Seal and NAPA Gold shop status
RepairPal and AAA-approved service
Full-service general auto repair with detailed digital inspections
Same-day service and easy drop-off options
Fleet and commercial vehicle care with priority scheduling and reliable turnaround
Online scheduling, free online estimates, and financing options that include Snap, Koalafi, Dignifi, and NAPA Easy Pay
Backed by the NAPA AutoCare Peace of Mind® Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles nationwide on qualifying repairs

We don’t believe in selling you on unnecessary repairs. We show you what your vehicle needs and help you make an informed decision. With two convenient locations in Colorado Springs, we’re always nearby when you need help the most.

Frequently Asked Questions: Summer Car Maintenance in Colorado Springs

How often should I wash my car during summer?

Every 2 to 3 weeks is ideal, especially with dust, pollen, and UV exposure in Colorado Springs. Wash more frequently if you drive near construction or take mountain trips. A seasonal wax helps protect your paint from sun damage.

Does altitude affect summer vehicle performance?

Yes. High elevation reduces oxygen levels, which can lower engine power and strain your cooling and A/C systems, especially during hot weather or mountain drives.

Is summer driving harder on automatic or manual transmissions?

Automatic transmissions tend to suffer more in heat due to fluid breakdown during stop-and-go traffic or towing. Manuals are more heat-tolerant but can still overheat if the clutch is overused on steep roads.

Can poor fuel quality affect performance in summer?

Yes. Heat increases fuel evaporation, and low-quality fuel can reduce efficiency or cause buildup. Stick to the manufacturer-recommended grade and fill up at trusted stations, especially before long trips.

What’s the best time to drive during extreme heat?

Early morning or late evening. Cooler temps and lighter traffic reduce engine strain and improve fuel efficiency. Avoid long idles during hot afternoons if possible.

Summer Car Maintenance in Colorado Springs — Schedule Service Today

Don’t let late-summer heat or back-to-school traffic leave you stranded. At Express Auto Repair in Colorado Springs, our ASE-certified team provides complete summer car maintenance, from A/C and cooling checks to brakes, tires, and batteries. With three convenient locations, we make it easy to keep your car safe, reliable, and road-ready.

Choose your location and book your summer maintenance appointment online:

North Colorado Springs – Montebello
5360 Montebello Ln., Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: (719) 358-9109
Schedule Montebello Appointment

South Colorado Springs – Galley Rd.
3655 Galley Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Phone: (719) 630-8729
Schedule Galley Appointment

Northeast Colorado Springs – Briargate

1815 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920