It's the Season for Hot Weather Vehicle Checks
13 June 2000
Don't Let Rising Temperatures Leave You by the Side of the Road
LOS ANGELES - With temperatures rising here and across the nation, the Automobile Club of Southern California recommends hot weather vehicle checks for city drivers and summer vacationers."It's likely a summer road trip will involve driving on 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 the mercury hits 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 venturing out on business appointments or packing the luggage and putting the children in the car, motorists should check the following maintenance items or have them checked by a trustworthy or certified 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 can compromise batteries, test and
replace old or weak batteries if necessary.
-- Check the transmission fluid to be sure that it's 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 stop the noise, have the engine
checked by a certified mechanic to check 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 700 independent vehicle repair shops in Southern California as "Approved Auto Repair" (AAR) facilities. These auto shops undergo regular inspections and must maintain rigorous standards of service, use quality repair equipment and employ properly trained technicians. To find the nearest AAR 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 from the organization's roadside assistance service, insurance products and services, AAA 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.
