Extreme heat can also damage cars: from tyres to the battery, here are the potential problems

The grip of the heatwave shows no sign of easing. We are in the midst of the fourth heatwave of the year, and the week that has just begun will be characterised by prolonged and intense atmospheric stability, with temperatures well above seasonal averages, rising humidity levels and possible peaks of 40 degrees in the inland areas of the central regions and in low-lying areas. And ‘the heat,’ as Davide Galli, president of Federcarrozzieri, points out, ‘is an enemy to our cars’. There are numerous parts of a car that could suffer damage due to extreme temperatures, starting with the tyres. Scorching tarmac, which can exceed 60 degrees on days of intense heat, accelerates wear and reduces the tread’s grip. But the heat also causes the air inside the tyres to expand, increasing the pressure and, consequently, the risk of a blowout. The cost of replacing a tyre is unpredictable and depends on the size, model and quality of the product, but can range on average from 50 to 150 euros.

Replacing a car battery is even more expensive, a job that can cost between 100 and 250 euros, including fitting. And the battery is yet another component put at risk by scorching temperatures. As Federcarrozzieri explains, the heat accelerates the self-discharge process of this component, which will gradually lose efficiency due to the evaporation of fluids. Record-breaking heat also puts strain on the engine, increasing the risk of overheating, compromising the efficiency of the cooling system and causing a reduction in the viscosity of the lubricating oil. The thermomechanical stress caused by the sweltering heat can lead to the expansion of the engine’s metal components. The cost of refurbishing the engine can range from 2,500 to 8,000 euros, depending on the type of overhaul – partial or complete – and based on the vehicle model and the choice of spare parts.

But the heat – which can cause temperatures inside the passenger compartment to reach 70 degrees – also contributes to the premature wear and tear of the materials used in the dashboard and to the ageing and discolouration of the fabric upholstery and seats, with damage estimated at between 200 and 4,000 euros.

Ultraviolet rays also cause damage to the exterior surfaces of cars, from the protective coating on the bodywork to the headlights, including the paintwork, which can lose its shine and colour intensity. Repainting the bodywork, as Federcarrozzieri points out, costs between 150 and 600 euros per panel, whilst a full repaint can cost up to 4,000 euros for large vehicles.

According to Galli, it is vital that motorists take certain precautions to avoid being forced to resort to costly repairs. First and foremost, it is important to ‘check tyre pressure regularly (when the tyres are cold)’. It is also essential to check the condition of the tread to spot any signs of wear and tear.