How Spring Weather in North Myrtle Beach Affects Your Car-Auto Repair Tips
- Cherry Grove Automotive
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
How Spring Weather in North Myrtle Beach Affects Your Car
One day it is 60 degrees, the next day it is 85. Spring weather in North Myrtle Beach can take a toll on your A/C, battery, tire pressure, gas mileage, and more. Here is what local drivers should check before the heat and summer traffic arrive.
If your car has been acting a little strange lately, you are not imagining it.
One day in North Myrtle Beach it is 62 degrees and windy. Two days later it is 84, sunny, and everyone is suddenly turning their A/C on for the first time in months. That quick change in weather can affect several parts of your vehicle.
Spring is one of the most common times for drivers to notice problems because winter wear starts showing up right when the weather begins to warm up.
Here are the biggest things spring weather can affect
Your A/C System
Spring is usually when drivers first realize their A/C is not blowing as cold as it should.
Maybe the air feels a little weak. Maybe it takes ten minutes to cool down. Maybe it is blowing warm air completely.
A lot of people stop at the parts store, buy a can of refrigerant, and try to charge it themselves. That usually does not solve the real problem.
If your refrigerant is low, there is usually a leak somewhere in the system. Simply adding more without finding the leak is like putting air in a tire with a nail in it.
At Cherry Grove Automotive, we inspect the system, check pressures, look for leaks, and perform a proper evacuate and recharge service when needed. That means we remove the old refrigerant, vacuum test the system, and recharge it with exactly the right amount.
If your A/C is not blowing cold now, it is probably not going to get better in July.
Tire Pressure Changes
One of the biggest reasons tire pressure lights come on in the spring is changing temperatures.
For every 10-degree change in temperature, your tire pressure can change by about 1 PSI. So when it is cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon, your tires may be slightly underinflated.
Low tire pressure can:
Reduce gas mileage
Cause uneven tire wear
Affect handling
Increase the chance of a flat tire
Spring is a good time to check your tire pressure and make sure your tires are wearing evenly.
Your Battery May Be Weaker Than You Think
A lot of people think batteries only fail in winter. Actually, the heat in spring and summer can be even harder on them.
If your battery is already a few years old, warmer temperatures can push it over the edge. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate faster and can weaken the battery internally.
If your car has been slow to start, if your lights seem dim, or if your battery is more than three years old, now is a good time to have it tested.
You do not want to discover your battery is failing while you are sitting in traffic on Highway 17 with the A/C running.
Gas Mileage Often Gets Worse
Gas prices have been all over the place lately. One-week regular gas was around $2.35 per gallon in our area. The next week, it was suddenly over $3.59.
That means a 20-gallon fill-up can cost more than $13 extra almost overnight.
When gas costs more, little things matter.
Poor tire pressure, a dirty air filter, old spark plugs, dragging brakes, or an engine that is overdue for maintenance can all reduce your gas mileage.
A tune-up and a quick inspection can help your vehicle run more efficiently and save money at the pump.
Wiper Blades and Visibility
Spring in North Myrtle Beach also means rain, pollen, and plenty of bugs.
If your wiper blades leave streaks, chatter across the windshield, or miss spots, it is time to clean them or replace them.
Good visibility matters, especially during sudden spring storms!
Before You Head to the Beach, SOS, or a Road Trip
Before spring turns into full summer traffic, take a few minutes to make sure your car is ready.
Whether you are headed to the beach, the North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market, SOS Spring Safari, or just trying to survive Highway 17 traffic with cold A/C, a little preventative maintenance can save you a lot of frustration later.
Things to Check This Spring
A/C performance
Tire pressure
Battery condition
Wiper blades
Oil level and fluid condition
Brakes
If something does not seem right, it is always easier and less expensive to catch it early.
Cherry Grove Automotive is here to help keep your vehicle ready for whatever North Myrtle Beach weather decides to do next.
Contact Cherry Grove Automotive at 843-249-6563 or visit cherrygroveauto.com.
Why does my tire pressure light come on in the spring?
Temperature changes affect tire pressure. For every 10-degree change in temperature, your tires can gain or lose about 1 PSI.
Why is my car A/C not blowing cold after winter?
Many drivers do not use their A/C much during winter. In spring, low refrigerant, a leak, or another problem may become noticeable.
Can warm weather damage my car battery?
Yes. Heat can weaken your battery and shorten its lifespan, especially if it is already a few years old.
Does warm weather affect gas mileage?
Yes. Tire pressure, A/C use, maintenance issues, and hotter temperatures can all affect fuel economy.
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