The Top 5 Summer Car Problems We See in Plattsburgh

When summer hits in Plattsburgh, we know what’s coming ....more sunshine, more road trips, and a whole lot of car issues that only show up once the temps start climbing. We see the same handful of problems roll into the shop every summer like clockwork at K&S Repair.

Some of them start small, like a little lag when you start your car or a weak A/C. But if you let them slide, they can turn into bigger headaches fast. That’s why our auto repair shop in Plattsburgh, NY always recommends a summer checkup, especially if you’re planning to hit the road or haul anything in the heat.

1. Overheating Engines

This one’s easily at the top of the list. Heat puts a ton of pressure on your engine, and if your cooling system isn’t up to the task, things can go downhill fast. Whether it’s low coolant, a worn-out water pump, or just an old radiator that can’t keep up, overheating is a real risk once July and August roll around.

We’ve had people pull in with steam pouring out from under the hood, and most of the time, it started with something simple. If your temp gauge keeps creeping higher than normal or your coolant hasn’t been checked in a while, that’s your sign to bring it in.

A fast inspection now can save your engine later.

2. Weak or Dead Batteries

A lot of people don’t realize that heat can be just as hard on a battery as cold weather. Once it gets hot out, corrosion builds faster, and weak batteries tend to give out with little warning. One day it starts fine, the next day you’re stranded at the gas station.

If your battery is three years old or older, or you’ve noticed slow starts recently, we can run a quick test and let you know where things stand. Replacing a battery before it dies is a whole lot easier than dealing with a no-start situation in a crowded parking lot.

3. A/C Not Cooling Like It Should

Your air conditioning might’ve worked fine in the spring. Once the real heat kicks in, you notice pretty quickly if something’s off. Maybe the air isn’t as cold as it used to be. Maybe it takes forever to cool down. Or maybe you’re just getting warm air no matter what you do.

Sometimes it’s low refrigerant. Other times, it’s a failing compressor or even a blower motor issue. Either way, driving around in the heat with no A/C is not ideal, especially with kids or pets in the car.

We can check it out and get things blowing cold again so you’re not dreading every stoplight on a hot day.

4. Tire Trouble You Don’t See Coming

Summer is hard on tires, especially if they’re already worn down. Hot pavement + low pressure is a dangerous combo, and blowouts are more common than people think this time of year. We see it all—bald spots, uneven tread, slow leaks from nails or screws that finally start to cause problems once the tires heat up.

Also, keep in mind that air pressure fluctuates with the weather. A tire that was fine in 60-degree spring weather might be underinflated once we’re in the 80s and 90s.

If you’re not sure about your tire pressure or how much life your tread has left, we’ll check it for free. Takes just a few minutes.

5. Transmission Issues from Towing + Heat

Plattsburgh drivers do a lot of towing in the summer, like campers, boats, trailers, you name it. All of that extra weight in hot weather puts major stress on your transmission, especially if the fluid is old or breaking down.

If you’ve noticed rough shifting, hesitation, or any weird smells after towing, don’t ignore it. Catching a small problem early, like low or burnt fluid, can keep it from turning into a big repair. And since we specialize in transmissions, this is something we handle all the time.

A quick service or fluid check might be all you need.

Keep Summer Smooth, Not Stressful

Most of these problems build quietly over time. Once the heat hits, they tend to show up all at once, and usually at the worst moment. Whether you're hauling gear, commuting in the heat, or planning a weekend getaway, it’s worth making sure your car is ready for it.

We can check your fluids, battery, tires, A/C, and anything else that might need attention this season.

Book your summer checkup today.

We’ll take care of it quickly, give you real answers, and help you stay ahead of anything that could throw off your summer.