Tips On Helping Cars Weather the Heat
9 June 1999
Don't Let the Sun Burn Your Vehicle's Performance This Summer, Says Auto Club; Tips On Helping Cars Weather the Heat
LOS ANGELES--June 8, 1999--Bags packed: check. Sunscreen: check. Games for the road: check. Drinks and snacks: check. And the Automobile Club of Southern California wants to add one more item on summer vacationers' "To Do" lists: a vehicle check."It's likely a summer road trip will involve driving in temperatures above 90 degrees, and that's when breakdowns happen to cars that aren't prepared for hot weather," said Steve Mazor, the Auto Club's principal automotive engineer. "On days when temperatures reach the 90s and 100s, the number of Auto Club members experiencing breakdowns increases by 50 percent."
Most motorists know that hot weather contributes to radiators overheating, but extreme heat also can sap weak batteries of their remaining energy, cripple air conditioning systems, create or enlarge hose leaks and snap worn belts.
Before packing the luggage and putting the kids in the car, motorists should check the following maintenance items or have them checked by a trustworthy mechanic:
-- Inspect the antifreeze/coolant level, making sure the proper
mixture of water and coolant is used according to specifications
in the vehicle owner's manual. Also check to make sure the
coolant has been flushed and changed as recommended by the
vehicle maintenance schedule.
-- Inspect and replace worn or cracked belts, as well as hoses
that are worn, cracked, blistered, brittle or too soft.
-- Check tires for uneven or excessive tread wear and make sure
all tires, including the spare, are inflated properly. Inflate
tires to recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires are a hazard
and can cut fuel economy by as much as two percent per pound of
pressure below the recommended level.
-- Check the level and condition of engine oil. When driving
under extreme conditions such as 90 to 100-plus degree
temperatures or when towing a heavy trailer, switch to heavier
motor oil. Check the owner's manual "severe driving conditions"
section for oil recommendations.
-- Since high temperatures compromise battery life, test and
replace old or weak batteries if necessary.
-- Check the transmission fluid to be sure that it is at the
proper level and doesn't smell burnt or look dirty, since heat
can make the fluid thinner and less effective. This is especially
important for vehicles that are used for towing. Check the
owners' manual for the right type of transmission fluid to use.
-- High temperatures also can lead to pinging in the engine. If
pinging continues, the Auto Club recommends using a higher-octane
fuel to eliminate the noise. When temperatures become cooler,
return to using the lower-octane gas. If changing fuel types
doesn't eliminate the noise, have the engine checked by a
competent mechanic for more serious problems.
Even well-maintained cars can break down, so on long trips, take along drinking water, a windshield shade, and a wireless phone or citizens band radio. Also pack a comprehensive emergency kit with a flashlight, extra batteries, warning devices such as flares, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, a basic tool kit, a gallon of water and a gallon of coolant.
To assist motorists in finding reliable mechanics, the Auto Club has certified more than 750 independent vehicle repair shops in Southern California as "Approved Auto Repair" facilities. These auto clinics undergo regular inspections and must maintain rigorous standards of service, use quality repair equipment and employ properly trained technicians. To find the nearest Approved Auto Repair facility, visit www.aaa-calif.com on the Internet or a local Auto Club office.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy.
Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
