Don’t Let Your Car Have a “Melt Down” in the Sizzling Summer Temperatures

Sizzling summer temperatures could leave motorists stranded and calling AAA for roadside assistance. That’s why routine summer maintenance should be at the top of your “to do” list this week.

“Extreme heat is not only tough on you,” according to Steve Popovich, Managing Director of AAA East Central’s Automotive Service Department. “It is especially hard on vehicle batteries. In fact, if the battery is older than two years, it should be tested by a qualified technician to make sure it has the starting power to handle the stress of extreme temperatures.”

To help motorists beat the heat, the Automotive Service Department at AAA East Central offers the following advice on maintaining your vehicle during the dog days of summer

Check the level and conditions of the motor oil. No oil no car, that's what my dad told me once. I'll never forget those words.
Check brake fluid level and condition. It is vital to maintain the proper level and that the fluid is free of contaminants to ensure reliable hot-weather braking. Its better to stop than go.
Check the performance of the air conditioning system. If needed have it serviced by a qualified technician. One time my buddy and I were trying to put Freon in his air conditioner and it failed miserably. We are not professionals.
Inspect antifreeze/coolant level and condition, making certain the proper 50/50 mixture of water and coolant is present. You can get this stuff at Walmart or Autozone.
If your car overheats, never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled. Trust me on this, My old Caddy overheated a few times (few hundred times) and the radiator cap came off a little too soon. Coolant in the radiator is under pressure and can flash into steam, causing severe burns.
Other under-the-hood components such as belts and hoses also are stressed by extreme heat and should be regularly inspected. Be sure the vehicle engine is turned off before inspecting these items. Good Idea here, always make sure your engine is turned off. Engine belts tend to spin when its running.

Categories: What's New