JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
With
the dog days of summer upon us, high temperatures can take their toll on
people, animals and even our vehicles. Extreme heat can push a vehicle past its
limits and some drivers will find themselves stranded at the roadside because
of it.
Here
are five safety tips from the AAA to help vehicle owners safely survive high
summer temperatures.
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Heat zaps the life from
batteries:
A potential summer problem is
faster evaporation of the battery fluid, leading 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’s a good idea to have it tested
by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.
-
Keep your engine cool:
Automobile 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. Without proper
cooling system maintenance, the odds of long term engine damage, and a summer
time boil over, definitely increase. Over time, engine coolant becomes
contaminated and its protective additives are depleted. Coolant systems should
be flushed and the coolant replaced periodically as recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer.
-
Avoid excessive heat where the
rubber meets the road:
Driving on under-inflated tires
not only affects the handling and braking of a vehicle, it also 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. Tires should be
inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer – not the
number molded into the tire sidewall. While checking the tire pressures – including
the spare – drivers also should inspect the tire treads for adequate depth and
any signs of uneven wear indicating a suspension or alignment problem.
-
Cars need fluids during extreme
heat:
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 is reduced, 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.
-
Cool passengers are happy
passengers:
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. Have the air conditioning system checked by a certified
technician.
While
many of the maintenance tasks to prepare a car for extreme summer heat are
relatively simple and can be performed by the average driver, some are best
left to a trained automotive technician.
Even
with proper preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still occur, so AAA
recommends every driver have a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. 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.
To
learn more about car safety, visit the AAA website at http://newsroom.aaa.com/2011/07/help-your-car-survive-the-heat
or contact the Joint Base San Antonio Fire Prevention Division offices at JBSA-Fort
Sam Houston, 221-2727; at JBSA-Lackland, 671-2921; or at JBSA-Randolph, 652-6915.