Summer Heat is as Bad for the Car as it is the Driver
PHILADELPHIA--Aug. 8, 2001--Pep Boys , the nation's leading full-service automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, takes care of thousands of cars daily.When extreme heat strikes, Pep Boys sees an increase of motorists experiencing trouble with their vehicles. Just like a person, cars need the right amount of fluids and care to avoid heat exhaustion.
If a vehicle's temperature gauge rises significantly while climbing hills, pulling cargo or sitting in traffic, it most likely means that the engine and cooling system are overworked. This can result in annoying breakdowns and possibly, costly engine damage. Here is a list of preventive maintenance procedures to perform on a vehicle to beat this summer's heat:
1. Carefully check the radiator for leaks and debris. Also, check
the radiator and heater hoses and replace any that are worn,
cracked, brittle or mushy.
2. Flush the cooling system every 24,000 miles or according to
the vehicle manufacturers' recommendation. Replace the coolant
with the proper proportion of water and coolant when low.
3. Check your cooling system for leaks. If there is an external
leak, tighten, repair or replace leaking parts. If you see a
puddle under your car or notice a sweet, moist smell, it is
most likely a cooling system leak. This puddle should not be
confused with evaporator drain. Clear liquid under the middle
of the vehicle is normal with air conditioner use, versus
greenish orange or muddy colored liquid under the engine area.
If there is an internal leak, it may originate from various
areas within the engine. This could be a serious mechanical
problem. In this case, have it checked by one of Pep Boys'
ASE-certified professional technicians. A pressure test can
determine if and where there is a leak.
4. Periodically service the thermostat, which controls the flow
of coolant between the engine block and the radiator. When the
engine is cold, the thermostat restricts the flow of coolant
to the radiator, permitting the engine to heat up. As the
engine warms, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow
to the radiator and keep the engine temperature within ideal
operating limits. Never remove the thermostat completely, as
the engine may not perform properly if it does not warm up to
normal operating temperature.
Also, make sure the air conditioning system is working
properly by doing the following:
| -- | Inspect the condenser in front of the radiator and the air cabin intake area near the windshield, to make sure that it isn't clogged with dirt, leaves or bugs. Air must flow freely through the condenser, evaporator and the radiator, so gently clear away any debris. |
| -- | Check the air conditioner belt on the system's compressor, usually located on the side of the engine opposite the alternator. Look for signs of deterioration and test for proper tension. |
| -- | Check the water pump drive belt in the same manner as the air conditioner drive belt. If it is slipping, the water pump will not flow water through the engine and it will run hotter. If the fan belt is more than three years old, it may be best to replace it. |
Also, don't forget to replace wiper blades if they haven't been replaced since last Fall. Winter weather can leave them cracked and worn. Coupled with the dust and pollen that spring and summer bring, blades can deteriorate, causing poor visibility and streaks on the windshield. At the first sign of streaking or smearing, replace the blades, and keep the reservoir of windshield washer fluid filled.
Remember, most importantly -- NEVER leave children or pets in a vehicle unattended, even for a minute. A locked car sitting in the sun quickly turns into an oven. Temperatures can climb from 78 to 100 degrees in just three minutes, to 125 degrees in approximately eight minutes.
