Summer Heat and Your Subaru: How to Keep Your Car Cool in Ontario
August 01 2025 - Subaru of Ontario staff

Stay Cool in the Southern California Heat ☀️🚘

Ontario summers are no joke. With temps regularly climbing into the 90s and beyond, the heat can be tough on your Subaru if you’re not proactive. Your air conditioning, cooling system, tires, and even interior components can suffer under prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Here’s what every Subaru owner in Ontario, CA should know about keeping your vehicle cool and road-ready all summer long.

How Extreme Heat Affects Your Subaru 🔥

Hot weather doesn’t just make your drive uncomfortable, it can put real stress on your car’s essential systems. Overheating, A/C failure, and tire blowouts are common risks during a heatwave.

Key Areas to Watch in the Summer

1. Your A/C System ❄️

A weak or failing A/C can make any drive miserable. If your air feels warm or has a strange smell, it's time to get it checked.

  • Tips to maintain your A/C:
  • Change the cabin air filter annually
  • Get the refrigerant level checked before summer
  • Listen for unusual noises from the vents

💬 “We see a big spike in A/C service appointments around late spring,” says Eric Ramos, Subaru-certified technician at Subaru of Ontario. “Staying ahead of the heat helps you avoid those emergency visits.”

2. Coolant System 🌡️

Your engine relies on coolant to stay at a safe operating temperature. In hot weather, coolant can break down faster or even leak under pressure.

Warning signs to watch for:

  • Temperature gauge creeping above normal
  • Sweet smell under the hood
  • Puddles or residue near the radiator or hoses

If you spot any of these, don’t delay overheating can lead to serious engine damage.

3. Tires and Pressure Checks 🛞

As the air outside heats up, so does the air inside your tires. This can lead to overinflation or blowouts, especially if your tires are already worn or improperly inflated.

Keep your tires safe by:

  • Checking pressure at least once a month
  • Inspecting tread depth and wear
  • Rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles

✅ Tip: Check tire pressure early in the morning when it’s cooler outside.

Bonus Tips to Keep Your Subaru Comfortable

  • Use a windshield sunshade to reduce interior heat
  • Park in the shade or under cover whenever possible
  • Tint your windows (within legal limits) to block UV rays
  • Apply protectant to your dashboard and seats to prevent cracking or fading

Visit Subaru of Ontario for Summer-Ready Service 🌴

Don't wait for the heat to cause problems. Let our certified Subaru technicians inspect your A/C system, coolant, tires, and more to ensure your vehicle handles the summer heat with ease.

🔧 Book Your Summer Inspection Today

Subaru of Ontario
1195 Auto Center Dr, Ontario, CA 91761
📞 Call us or Schedule a service appointment online

Keep your Subaru cool, safe, and ready for every California adventure.