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Summer Motorists Can Beat the Heat With Auto Check-Ups

3 August 2000

    LOS ANGELES - Summer vacationers and commuters traveling by auto can avoid inconvenient and sometimes dangerous breakdowns by ensuring their cars are in reliable running condition before they leave for a vacation, says the Automobile Club of Southern California, which recommends an auto "check-up" before hitting the road.

    When the temperature rises above 90 degrees, trouble may begin for motorsts. Vehicles with weak batteries may have difficulty starting, air conditioning systems can fail and poorly maintained cooling systems may overheat. Cracked belts may snap and worn hoses can blister and begin leaking as temperatures rise inside and outside the engine compartment.

    Higher temperatures can have a significant effect on vehicles. "For example, on days when temperatures reach the 90s and 100s, Auto Club members reporting vehicle breakdowns increase by 50 percent," said Steve Mazor, principal automotive engineer. "Motorists who want to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown should inspect their vehicle or have an expert check it out before warm weather hits and continue to monitor its condition throughout the summer driving season."

    The Auto Club recommends that motorists perform the following maintenance tasks or visit one of more than 700 Auto Club Approved Auto Repair garages prior to taking a long trip:

-- Inspect antifreeze/coolant level, making certain the proper mixture of water and coolant is present according to specifications in the vehicle's owner manual. Check also for the appropriate coolant flush and change frequency.
-- 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 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.
-- Heat can affect transmission fluid by making it thinner and less effective. Check the transmission fluid to be sure that it is at the proper level and doesn't smell burnt or look dirty. This is especially important for vehicles that are used for towing. Check the owners manual for the right type of the 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 to a higher-octane fuel doesn't eliminate the pinging, have the engine checked by a competent mechanic for more serious problems.


    Since even well-maintained cars can break down, carry items for safety and comfort such as: drinking water and a windshield shade for reducing heat build-up inside the vehicle; a cellular telephone or citizens band radio for summoning help; and an emergency kit containing a flashlight with extra batteries, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, jumper cables and a first-aid kit, a basic tool kit, a gallon of water and a gallon of antifreeze.

    Motorists should be prepared for the effects of hot weather while driving. The Auto Club cautions against leaving children and pets inside a parked vehicle in hot weather, because temperatures can exceed 120 degrees on days when outside temperatures reach 100 degrees. Not only is this dangerous, but motorists who leave children unattended in parked cars run the risk of facing criminal prosecution.

    Also, if the vehicle's temperature starts to climb while driving, motorists should turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heater to draw heat off the engine. This will help to cool the engine down. The air conditioning should also be turned off when climbing steep hills or inclines such as the Grapevine. This will decrease the demands on the engine and reduce the potential of overheating the engine.

    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, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis and legislative advocacy.