--- title: "Cool running: making sure your equipment beats the summer heat" description: Here are some tips on maintaining your equipment in good working order when the heat is on.   image: https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/summer%20heat.jpg --- [![Logo_building_tomorrow-1](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_building_tomorrow-1.png?width=200&height=51&name=Logo_building_tomorrow-1.png "Logo_building_tomorrow-1")](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en) - [EN](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en) - [FR](https://blog.toromontcat.com/fr) - [Toromont Cat website](https://www.toromontcat.com/) - - - # Cool running: making sure your equipment beats the summer heat [By Toromont Cat](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/author/toromont-cat) June 15, 2021 [PARTS & SERVICE](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/parts-service) 2 minute read - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/summer%20heat.jpg) Summertime means hotter temperatures, humidity, increased sun exposure and dry conditions. And with those higher temperatures comes an increased risk of equipment overheating, engine problems and unnecessary wear. All of that, combined with a heavy summer workload, can add up to maintenance challenges. But with some basic routine care, your equipment  can be in top working condition all summer long. Here are some tips on maintaining your equipment in good working order when the heat is on.     ## **![yellow-arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow-arrow.png?width=53&name=yellow-arrow.png)Daily Inspections** Make daily checks on hydraulic fluid and coolant to ensure they are topped off and effective for higher temperatures. Also take a moment before work starts to check the AC and the tire pressure to avoid premature tire wear.   ## **![yellow-arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow-arrow.png?width=47&name=yellow-arrow.png)** ### **Check that the coolant expansion reservoir is to the full mark** Modern cooling radiators are made to run totally full in order to eliminate oxygen from entering the cooling system. Check the radiator cap for proper check valve operation and proper relief pressure.   ## **![yellow-arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow-arrow.png?width=47&name=yellow-arrow.png)** #### **Confirm the type of coolant being used in the machines** Newer OAT (organic acid technology) is used in more recent machines, while a silica-based coolant is used in older machines. Mix the two together and gelling will take place, which will drastically reduce cooling efficiency. If the machine has OAT, there will be a tag on or near the coolant fill location that clearly identifies it.   ## **![yellow-arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow-arrow.png?width=47&name=yellow-arrow.png)** ##### **Check the coolant concentration** A 50-50 concentration is best for machine operation, as too much water can lead to corrosion, a lower boiling point and cavitation.   ## **![yellow-arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow-arrow.png?width=47&name=yellow-arrow.png)** ##### **Clear Debris** Keep radiators and cooling packages clear of any debris.You can also change the settings for more frequent automatic reversing to assist in removing the debris. Check all inlets and outlets of the engine hoods frequently for debris build-up to maximize airflow through the coolers. If these areas are left dirty, substances like mud will bake to a solid form and become very difficult to remove. Clean these components using compressed air on a daily basis.   ## **![yellow-arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow-arrow.png?width=47&name=yellow-arrow.png)** ##### **Respect your machine** Avoid overworking the equipment during the summer. Using it beyond its set capabilities could lead to expensive breakdowns and overheating. Also make sure to let your machine idle before shutting it down to avoid damage to the machine’s turbos.   ## **![yellow-arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow-arrow.png?width=47&name=yellow-arrow.png)** ##### **Service Checks** If everything detailed above looks good, but the machine’s temperature seems a bit high, have your service department check the thermostat opening temperature.   ## **![yellow-arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow-arrow.png?width=47&name=yellow-arrow.png)** ##### **Remote Monitoring** Many machines today come standard with telematics, which makes monitoring the engine temperature a breeze. If there is the odd spike in temperature, that serves as a red flag for potential faults or defects elsewhere in the machine – ultimately helping catch a larger failure before it happens.   ## **![yellow-arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow-arrow.png?width=47&name=yellow-arrow.png)** ##### **Safe Storage** When not in use, equipment  should be stored in a dry, sheltered place out of the hot sun and scorching heat. Unwanted  moisture promotes rust, which could affect other equipment systems.   ###### **Tips to Protect Your Equipment From the Summer Heat** 1. **Limit Direct Sun Exposure** 2. **Inspect Your Coolant Systems** 3. **Check Your Tires for Optimal Inflation** 4. **Ensure Your Batteries Are Up to the Task** 5. **Make Sure Vehicle A/C and Interiors Are Ready for the Heat** 6. **Consider Condition Monitoring and Other Technologies** 7. **Avoid 'Peak Hours' as Much as Possible** With regular preventive maintenance and close monitoring of equipment, you can avoid breakdowns and expensive repairs while ensuring operator comfort.   ###### About Company ![](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/BG_landing.jpg) [Toromont Cat](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/author/toromont-cat) Toromont Cat is your Cat Dealer in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nunavut. We are dedicated to supplying and servicing new and used equipment, delivering a superior customer experience and exceptional product support to the markets we serve. ##### You might also like ![Take Control of Rising Fuel Costs with VisionLink](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/VisionLink%20equipment%20overlay%20networked%202000x1050.jpg) [Take Control of Rising Fuel Costs with VisionLink](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/take-control-of-rising-fuel-costs-with-visionlink) June 15, 2021 ![Parts.cat.com and Cat Central: One Account. Two Platforms. Total Convenience](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/PS%2011-25%20yellow%20days%20blog%20header.jpg) [Parts.cat.com and Cat Central: One Account. Two Platforms. Total Convenience](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/parts.cat.com-and-cat-central-one-account.-two-platforms.-total-convenience) June 15, 2021 ![How to Install a Battery and Find its Date Code](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/batteries-header-1.jpg) [How to Install a Battery and Find its Date Code](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/how-to-install-a-battery-and-find-its-date-code) June 15, 2021 ### Subscribe to Our Blog We want to hear from you! Are there any topics you'd like us to cover? Or questions for our experts to answer? Send your ideas, comments, and questions to **[blog@toromont.com](mailto:blog@toromont.com)** We look forward to hearing from you. - [Recent](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/cool-running-making-sure-your-equipment-beats-the-summer-heat#tabs-0) - [Popular](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/cool-running-making-sure-your-equipment-beats-the-summer-heat#tabs-1) ![A Partnership Highlighting Local Talent](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/Vall%C3%A9e%20-%204DA5E%20-%20BLOG.png) [A Partnership Highlighting Local Talent](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/a-partnership-highlighting-local-talent) ![From First Time Cat Equipment Owner to Big Time Advocate](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/001%202000x1050%20B.jpg) [From First Time Cat Equipment Owner to Big Time Advocate](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/from-first-time-cat-equipment-owner-to-big-time-advocate) ![Take Control of Rising Fuel Costs with VisionLink](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/VisionLink%20equipment%20overlay%20networked%202000x1050.jpg) [Take Control of Rising Fuel Costs with VisionLink](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/take-control-of-rising-fuel-costs-with-visionlink) ![Where did Caterpillar’s trademark yellow come from?](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/Blog/Where%20did%20Caterpillar%E2%80%99s%20trademark%20yellow%20come%20from/Blog-img%20(1).png) [Where did Caterpillar’s trademark yellow come from?](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/where-did-caterpillars-trademark-yellow-come-from) ![From Snow to Rocks: How the Cat 938 Delivers for Excavation Pierre Daoust](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/V1-0024_DSCF%5B8716-8717%5D00000000.jpg) [From Snow to Rocks: How the Cat 938 Delivers for Excavation Pierre Daoust](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/from-snow-to-rocks-how-the-cat-938-delivers) ![Interview With a Heavy Equipment Tech -  Part 1](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/20211028_154122_2000x1050.jpg) [Interview With a Heavy Equipment Tech -  Part 1](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/interview-with-a-heavy-equipment-tech-part-1) Social Media Be part of our community, share pictures of your Cat machines in action and your stories, check out our contests and exclusive offers. | [![FB-color](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/Blog/Homepage/FB-color.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/mytoromontcat) | [![IG-color](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/Blog/Homepage/IG-color.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/toromontcat/) | [![LinkedIn-color](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/Blog/Homepage/LinkedIn-color.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/toromont-cat) | | --- | --- | --- | @ToromontCat ### Post By Topics - [HEAVY EQUIPMENT](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/heavy-equipment) - [PARTS & SERVICE](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/parts-service) - [TECHNOLOGY](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/technology) - [NEWS](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/news) - [PEOPLE](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/people) - [STORIES](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/stories) - [POWER](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/power) - [MINING](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/mining) - [CATERPILLAR100](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/caterpillar100) - [TOROMONT HISTORY](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/toromont-history) ![logo](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Newsletter%20Assets/logo.gif?width=140&name=logo.gif "logo") [NEW](https://www.toromontcat.com/newproducts) - [Heavy Equipment](https://www.toromontcat.com/new_products/new-heavy-equipment) - [Attachments](https://www.toromontcat.com/new_products/attachments) - [Cat Compact Equipment](https://www.toromontcat.com/new_products/cat-compact-equipment) - [Power Systems](https://www.toromontcat.com/new_products/power-systems)   [USED](https://www.toromontcat.com/used) - [Used Heavy Equipment](https://www.toromontcat.com/used/used-heavy-equipment) - [Used Attachments](https://www.toromontcat.com/used/attatchments) - [Used & Restored Parts](https://www.toromontcat.com/used/used-restored-parts) - [Used Generators](https://www.toromontcat.com/used/generators) - [Used Compact Construction Equipment](https://www.toromontcat.com/used/cat-compact-equipment) - [Used Forklifts](https://www.toromontcat.com/used/forklifts)   [RENTAL](https://www.toromontcat.com/rental) - [Heavy Equipment Rental](https://www.toromontcat.com/rental/heavy-equipment) - [Cat Compact Equipment](https://www.toromontcat.com/rental/cat-compact-equipment) - [Generator Rentals](https://www.toromontcat.com/rental/generator-rentals) - [Battlefield Equipment Rentals](https://www.toromontcat.com/rental/battlefield-equipment) [PARTS](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts) - [Toromont Cat Parts Store](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/cat-parts-store) - [Reman](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/reman) - [Used & Restored](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/used-restored) - [Hoses & Hydraulics](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/hoses-and-hydraulics) - [Undercarriage](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/undercarriage) - [Yellowmark Parts](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/yellowmark-parts) - [Engine Rebuild Kits](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/engine-rebuild-kits) - [Truck Engines](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/truck-engines) - [Ground Engaging Tools](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/ground-engaging-tools) - [Preventative Maintenance Products](https://www.toromontcat.com/parts/preventative-maintenance-products)   [SERVICE](https://www.toromontcat.com/service) - [Equipment Management](https://www.toromontcat.com/service/equipment-management) - [Fluid Analysis Services](https://www.toromontcat.com/service/fluid-analysis-services) - [Cat Technology](https://www.toromontcat.com/service/cat-technology) - [Training](https://www.toromontcat.com/service/training) - [Cat Card](https://www.toromontcat.com/service/commercial-account) - [Power Systems](https://www.toromontcat.com/service/power-systems) - [Toromont Cat Rebuild](https://www.toromontcat.com/service/toromont-cat-rebuild) [INDUSTRIES](https://www.toromontcat.com/industries) - [Construction](https://www.toromontcat.com/industries-nav/construction) - [Mining](https://www.toromontcat.com/industries-nav/mining) - [Power Systems](https://www.toromontcat.com/industries-nav/power-systems) - [View All](https://www.toromontcat.com/industries-nav/view-all)   [ABOUT](https://www.toromontcat.com/about) - [About Toromont Cat](https://www.toromontcat.com/about/about-toromont-cat) - [Contact Us](https://www.toromontcat.com/about/contact-us) - [Careers](https://www.toromontcat.com/about/toromont-careers) - [Branch Locator](https://www.toromontcat.com/about/locations-contacts) - [All Branches](https://www.toromontcat.com/about/all-branches) - [Investor Info](https://www.toromontcat.com/about/investor-info) - [News & Media](https://www.toromontcat.com/about/news-media) - [Community Involvement](https://www.toromontcat.com/about/community-involvement) - [Customer Experience](https://www.toromontcat.com/about/customer-experience)   [ONLINE TOOLS](https://www.toromontcat.com/online-tools)   ©2021 Toromont Industries Ltd. All Rights Reserved. [Copyright](https://www.toromont.com/copyright.asp)   [Privacy Statement](https://www.toromont.com/policy.asp)   [Policies](https://www.toromont.com/policies.asp)   [Accessibility](https://www.toromont.com/accessibilityform_en.asp)   [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](https://www.facebook.com/mytoromontcat) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/toromont-cat)