Posted on 7/1/2025

Summer is a time for family road trips, beach days, and outdoor adventures. However, it’s also the season when your vehicle is at its highest risk of overheating. High temperatures put extra stress on your engine, and without proper care, you could find yourself stranded on the side of the road. At Nate Smith’s Optimal Auto Care in Santa Cruz, we want to help you avoid that stressful situation. With over 1,100 excellent reviews, people in Santa Cruz trust our team for exceptional service and expert advice. Let's explore simple ways to keep your car cool throughout the summer. Understanding Why Vehicles Overheat Your engine generates a lot of heat during regular operation. The cooling system, which includes the radiator, coolant, thermostat, and water pump, works diligently to maintain a safe operating temperature. When any part of this system fails or gets stressed by extreme heat, your engine's temperature can spike qui ... read more