With a large part of the country, including Virginia, looking at intense heat, AAA is reminding motorists that high temperatures can take their toll not only on people and animals, but also vehicles.
“While many drivers think about the importance of preparing their vehicle for cold weather when winter nears, it is equally important to prepare your car for the summer, especially with the extreme heat we’re seeing in the region,” says Morgan Dean, public, and government affairs manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
Last summer in Virginia alone, AAA Mid-Atlantic emergency roadside service crews responded to more than 113,000 requests for assistance. An analysis of AAA roadside data shows that vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to end up stranded on the side of the road compared to newer vehicles.
AAA suggests focusing on these top five areas to beat the heat:
- Batteries
Summer’s heat can zap the life from your car’s battery, even more than the bitter cold of winter. Faster evaporation of the battery fluid can lead to corrosion on terminals and connections. Clean any corrosive build up from the battery terminals and cable clamps, and ensure the clamps are tight enough that they will not move.
If a car’s battery is more than three years old, it is a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to be sure it is still road ready. This test can be done at any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility or AAA Car Care Center.
2. Coolant
Vehicle engines work extra hard in the summer and it is the cooling system’s job to protect the engine from overheating. In addition, additives in the coolant protect the radiator and internal engine components against wear and corrosion. However, over time, coolant becomes contaminated and its protective additives depleted. Without proper cooling system maintenance, the odds of long-term engine damage, and a summer time boil over increase.
Flush the system and replace the coolant periodically as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. See the owner’s manual to determine the service interval appropriate for your vehicle.
Between flushes, make sure to fill coolant to the proper levels by checking the overflow reservoir. If necessary, top off the reservoir with a 50/50 mix of water and the coolant type specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
CAUTION! Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot – boiling coolant under pressure could cause serious burns.
Inspect hoses and drive belts for cracking, soft spots or other signs of poor condition, accelerated by extreme heat. Worn parts are more susceptible to failure in hot conditions and need replacing.
3. Tires
Driving on under-inflated tires not only affects the handling and braking of a vehicle, it can cause tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout. This problem becomes even more of a concern when road temperatures are extremely high.
According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, under-inflated tires generate excessive heat build-up and stress, causing irregular wear and internal damage.
Inflate tires to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer—not the number molded into the tire. Recommended tire pressures are located in the owner’s manual or on a sticker normally located on the driver’s doorjamb or the inside of the glove compartment door.
While checking the tire pressures—including the spare—drivers also should inspect tire treads for adequate depth and any signs of uneven wear that might indicate a suspension or alignment problem.
4. Engine Fluids
Engine fluids are essential to keeping a vehicle running smoothly. Most fluids not only lubricate, they also serve as coolants by helping carry heat away from critical components. When fluid levels are low, this cooling effect reduces, and the possibility of overheating increases. Drivers should check all vehicle fluids including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels. If any fluids need to be topped off, be sure to use the type of fluid specified in the owner’s manual.
5. Air Conditioning
Maintaining a comfortable driving environment reduces fatigue, which can play an important part in driver alertness and vehicle safety. During extreme summer heat, a properly operating air conditioning system can be more than just a pleasant convenience. “If a car’s air conditioning is not maintaining the interior temperature as well as it did in the past, it may mean the refrigerant level is low or there is another problem,” Dean says.
Many automotive climate control systems today are equipped with a cabin filter that prevents outside debris from entering. If present, this filter should be inspected and replaced as needed to ensure maximum airflow and cooling during the summer months. For SUV’s and vehicles with dual zone (rear) AC, ensure both zones are active and cooling to increase cooling capacity and performance.
Summer Travel Safety for Families
As travelers prepare for summer road trips, and with nearly 61 million Americans expected to hit the roads this upcoming Fourth of July holiday, it is important to remember that traffic congestion can also impact your air conditioning. “Stop and go or very slow traffic speed will reduce airflow to the front of the vehicle, thus reducing air conditioner performance,” says Dean.
To help cool your car quicker, AAA suggests parking in shade, if possible. Running your air conditioner to cool down a stationary car that has heated up wastes gas. “Taking off with the windows down and then turning on the air conditioner after the hot air has been blown out is a more fuel efficient way to cool off a hot vehicle,” says Dean.
Pack a Summer Emergency Kit
Even with proper preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still occur, so AAA recommends every driver have a fully charged cellphone on hand so they can call for help, if needed and also keep a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle to ensure everyone’s safety. The kit should include water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools and a first aid kit.
In extreme heat, it is also important to have a plan in place in case a vehicle breakdown occurs. AAA membership includes emergency roadside assistance, and drivers can download the AAA app so they can easily request roadside service, as well as use other features.
