How Hot Weather Can Affect Your Vehicle Summer heat can be hard on more than just drivers and passengers. High temperatures can place added stress on your vehicle’s battery, tires, fluids, air-conditioning system, and engine. Understanding how hot weather affects your vehicle can help you avoid unexpected repairs, improve performance, and stay safer on the road. 1. Heat Can Weaken Your Vehicle’s Battery Many drivers associate battery problems with cold Vermont winters, but hot weather can be just as damaging. High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate faster and accelerate corrosion inside the battery. Over time, this can reduce battery life and leave you with a vehicle that struggles to start. Signs of a weak battery may include: Slow engine cranking Dim headlights Electrical issues A battery warning light Clicking when you try to start the vehicle Having your battery tested before a long summer trip can help prevent an inconvenient breakdown. 2. Hot Pavement Can Affect Your Tires As temperatures rise, the air inside your tires expands. This can increase tire pressure and place additional stress on tires that are worn, damaged, or improperly inflated. Hot pavement can also increase the risk of a tire failure, especially during extended highway driving. Check your tire pressure when the tires are cool and follow the recommended pressure listed inside the driver’s door jamb. Do not rely only on the maximum pressure printed on the tire itself. You should also inspect your tires for: Cracks Bulges Uneven wear Low tread depth Objects embedded in the tire Properly maintained tires can improve traction, fuel economy, ride comfort, and safety. 3. Your Engine Can Be More Likely to Overheat Your vehicle’s cooling system works harder during hot weather. Low coolant, a damaged hose, a worn belt, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a failing radiator can all increase the risk of overheating. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge while driving. If the gauge moves toward the red zone or you see steam coming from under the hood, safely pull over and turn off the engine. Never remove a radiator cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system may be under pressure, and hot coolant can cause serious burns. Regular cooling-system inspections can help identify leaks or worn components before they cause a larger problem. 4. Hot Weather Can Reduce Air-Conditioning Performance Your air-conditioning system has to work especially hard during the hottest days of summer. If the air coming from your vents is not as cold as it used to be, the system may have low refrigerant, a leak, a clogged cabin air filter, or another mechanical issue. A properly operating air-conditioning system does more than keep you comfortable. It can also help reduce driver fatigue and improve visibility by controlling moisture inside the vehicle. 5. Heat Can Break Down Vehicle Fluids Extreme heat can cause vehicle fluids to deteriorate more quickly. Engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power-steering fluid all play an important role in protecting major vehicle components. Low or contaminated fluids can lead to increased friction, overheating, reduced performance, and expensive repairs. Before summer travel, consider having your vehicle’s fluids checked and replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. 6. Heat Can Damage Your Vehicle’s Interior Direct sunlight can cause the temperature inside a parked vehicle to rise quickly. Over time, ultraviolet rays and excessive heat can fade upholstery, dry out leather, damage dashboards, and affect electronic components. You can help protect your vehicle’s interior by: Parking in the shade when possible Using a windshield sunshade Applying UV-protective interior products Keeping leather surfaces properly conditioned Avoiding leaving electronics in direct sunlight Never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle, even for a short period of time. 7. Hot Weather Can Lower Fuel Economy Running the air conditioner, driving with underinflated tires, carrying extra weight, and sitting in traffic can all reduce fuel economy. You may be able to improve summer fuel efficiency by keeping your tires properly inflated, removing unnecessary cargo, staying current with maintenance, and avoiding aggressive acceleration. Summer Vehicle Maintenance Checklist Before your next road trip, make sure you check: Battery condition Tire pressure and tread Engine coolant level Engine oil Air-conditioning performance Windshield wipers Belts and hoses Brake condition Exterior and interior lights Schedule Summer Vehicle Service in St. Johnsbury, Vermont A seasonal inspection can help make sure your vehicle is ready for hot weather, long drives, and summer travel. The service team at St. Johnsbury GMC can inspect your battery, tires, cooling system, fluids, brakes, air conditioning, and other important components. Schedule your service appointment today and enjoy greater confidence wherever the road takes you this summer. Frequently Asked Questions Can hot weather cause a car battery to die? Yes. High temperatures can speed up battery fluid evaporation and internal corrosion, which may shorten the life of the battery. Should tire pressure be higher during hot weather? Tire pressure naturally increases as temperatures rise. Always check pressure when the tires are cool and use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. What should I do if my vehicle starts overheating? Safely pull over, turn off the engine, and allow the vehicle to cool. Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Contact roadside assistance or a qualified service department if necessary. How often should vehicle fluids be checked? Fluid levels should be checked regularly and replaced according to the maintenance schedule listed in your owner’s manual. Why is my air conditioner not blowing cold air? Possible causes include low refrigerant, a refrigerant leak, a clogged cabin air filter, compressor problems, or electrical issues. A professional inspection can help identify the cause.
To Stud or not to Stud - When the roads get slick which is best for you
Studded vs. Non-Studded Winter Tires in Vermont: Which Are Better? If you drive through a Vermont winter, choosing the right tires isn't just about getting through the snow. It's about maintaining traction on icy back roads, stopping safely at intersections, climbing snow-covered hills, and staying confident when temperatures drop below freezing. One of the most common winter tire questions we hear at St. Johnsbury GMC is: Are studded winter tires better than non-studded winter tires in Vermont? The answer depends on where you drive, the conditions you encounter, and what you expect from your vehicle. Here's what Northeast Kingdom drivers should know before choosing their next set of winter tires. Studded vs. Non-Studded Winter Tires: Quick Answer Studded winter tires are generally best for drivers who regularly encounter hard-packed snow and ice, especially on rural or less frequently treated Vermont roads. Modern non-studded winter tires can be an excellent choice for drivers who spend more time on plowed and treated roads and want a quieter ride. For drivers around St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, Danville, Waterford, Burke, and the Northeast Kingdom, the right choice often comes down to the roads you travel every day. What Are Studded Winter Tires? Studded winter tires contain small metal studs embedded into the tire tread. These studs are designed to dig into packed snow and ice, providing additional traction when the road surface becomes extremely slippery. That extra bite can be particularly valuable during a Vermont winter when you're dealing with freezing rain, icy hills, packed snow, or roads that haven't been treated yet. Advantages of Studded Winter Tires Studded tires can provide: Excellent traction on ice Improved grip on hard-packed snow Additional confidence on steep or icy roads Strong performance in severe winter conditions Extra traction for rural Vermont driving If your morning commute includes back roads, hills, or roads that aren't immediately plowed or salted, studded tires may be worth considering. What Are Non-Studded Winter Tires? Non-studded winter tires—sometimes called studless winter tires —use specialized rubber compounds and advanced tread designs rather than metal studs to generate winter traction. Unlike all-season tires, true winter tires are engineered to remain flexible when temperatures become extremely cold. Modern non-studded snow tires can deliver impressive traction in snow, slush, cold temperatures, and many icy conditions. Advantages of Non-Studded Winter Tires Non-studded winter tires typically offer: Excellent snow traction Good performance on cold pavement Quieter highway driving A smoother ride than many studded tires No metal studs contacting dry pavement Strong performance on regularly plowed and treated roads For Vermont drivers who spend most of their time on major roads and highways, a quality non-studded winter tire can be an excellent option. Are Studded Tires Better on Ice? Studded winter tires can have an advantage on extremely icy surfaces because the metal studs physically bite into the ice. That's one reason studded tires remain popular in northern New England. Consider a winter morning in the Northeast Kingdom when yesterday's melting snow has frozen overnight. Your driveway is icy, shaded sections of the road are slick, and some secondary roads still have hard-packed snow. Those are conditions where the additional traction provided by studs can be valuable. Are Non-Studded Winter Tires Better in Snow? Not necessarily. Both studded and non-studded winter tires can perform extremely well in snow. Tire design, tread depth, rubber compound, vehicle weight, drivetrain, and road conditions all affect winter performance. The bigger difference tends to appear on hard ice, where studs can provide additional mechanical grip. Studded vs. Non-Studded Tires for Vermont Driving Here's a simple way to think about the decision. Consider studded winter tires if you: Frequently drive rural Vermont roads Encounter steep hills Drive before roads are fully plowed or treated Regularly encounter ice or hard-packed snow Live on a dirt or secondary road Want maximum traction in severe winter conditions Consider non-studded winter tires if you: Mostly drive maintained highways and main roads Want a quieter winter tire Frequently drive on dry pavement between storms Want excellent snow performance without metal studs Spend significant time traveling on Interstate 91 or other regularly maintained routes Do I Need Winter Tires If My GMC Has AWD or 4WD? Yes, winter tires can still make a major difference on an AWD or 4WD vehicle. Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive can help your vehicle accelerate and maintain traction, but your tires are still the contact point between your GMC and the road. Your tires affect: Braking Cornering Steering Acceleration Overall winter traction A GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra HD, Yukon, Terrain, Acadia, or Canyon equipped with 4WD or AWD can still benefit from tires specifically designed for cold temperatures, snow, and ice. 4WD helps you get moving. The right winter tires also help you stop and turn. Are All-Season Tires Good Enough for a Vermont Winter? All-season tires are designed to handle a wide variety of conditions, but they aren't the same as dedicated winter tires. Winter tires use tread patterns and rubber compounds specifically designed for colder temperatures and winter precipitation. For drivers who regularly encounter snow, ice, freezing rain, steep hills, and below-freezing temperatures in northern Vermont, dedicated winter tires are worth considering. When Should You Put Winter Tires on in Vermont? Don't wait for the first major snowstorm. A good rule is to start thinking about your winter tire changeover when temperatures are consistently approaching the range where winter tires are designed to perform best. Scheduling early also helps you avoid the rush that occurs when the Northeast Kingdom gets its first significant snowfall. If you're unsure whether your current tires have enough tread for another Vermont winter, the St. Johnsbury GMC Service Department can inspect them and help you determine your options. How Long Do Studded Winter Tires Last? Winter tire life depends heavily on: Mileage Driving habits Tire pressure Vehicle alignment Rotation schedule Road conditions How long the tires remain installed after winter Running winter tires during warmer weather can accelerate wear because their softer rubber compounds are designed for cold temperatures. Proper seasonal changeovers and tire maintenance can help maximize their useful life. Which Winter Tires Are Best for a GMC Sierra in Vermont? The best winter tire for a GMC Sierra 1500 or Sierra HD depends on how you use your truck. A Sierra that spends most of its winter traveling I-91 may have different tire needs than a truck regularly traveling unpaved roads, steep driveways, job sites, or remote areas of the Northeast Kingdom. When choosing winter tires for your GMC Sierra, consider: Your exact tire size Sierra 1500 vs. Sierra HD Typical passenger and cargo loads Towing Highway versus back-road driving Snow and ice exposure Studded versus non-studded preference Our team can help match your truck with tires appropriate for both your GMC and the way you actually drive it. Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Tires in Vermont Are studded tires worth it in Vermont? For drivers who regularly encounter icy roads, packed snow, steep hills, or less frequently maintained roads, studded winter tires can provide valuable additional traction. Are studded tires better than snow tires? Studded tires are winter tires. The comparison is usually between studded winter tires and non-studded—or studless—winter tires. Both are designed for winter driving, but studs can provide additional grip on hard ice. Do I need studded tires if I have four-wheel drive? Not necessarily. Your decision should be based on your driving conditions. However, 4WD doesn't replace proper tires. Winter tires can improve braking, steering, and traction regardless of drivetrain. What winter tires are best for driving in the Northeast Kingdom? There isn't one tire that's best for every driver. Rural roads, elevation, commuting distance, highway driving, vehicle type, and exposure to ice should all factor into your choice. Can St. Johnsbury GMC help me choose winter tires? Yes. The St. Johnsbury GMC Service Department in St. Johnsbury, Vermont can help you determine the proper tire size and discuss studded and non-studded winter tire options for your GMC. Get Ready for Winter at St. Johnsbury GMC Vermont winters can change quickly. Dry pavement in St. Johnsbury can turn into snow-covered roads as you head into higher elevations, and overnight temperature changes can create icy conditions before your morning commute. That's why choosing between studded and non-studded winter tires shouldn't simply come down to which tire costs less. It should come down to where you drive and what conditions you face. If you're not sure which option is right for your GMC, talk with the team at St. Johnsbury GMC. We can help you choose winter tires that fit your vehicle, driving habits, and Northeast Kingdom winter conditions. Schedule your winter tire service with St. Johnsbury GMC before the snow starts flying. https://www.stjohnsburygmc.com/serviceappmt.aspx?_gl=1*1t997u2*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4orUBhCjARIsAIbF3qw4RLHMBYdoznhD3SMPpheeAtznVTNTIFi3CmnoJEJABFCsZxLlIhEaAo-EEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAABDhG3xwmDQEBlCSJuC2PxHfKs01tC
