Check out these hot weather tips for your car.
The prolonged hot weather we've been having is hard on vehicles, but a little preventive maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring that you don't wind up stranded on the side of the road withering in the heat while waiting for a tow truck.
Cars are complicated beasts and, of course, anything can go wrong at any time. But experts say there are four main problem areas that crop up as the mercury rises: batteries, tires, radiators and air conditioners.
"The extreme heat makes the acid and the fluid inside of them (car batteries) expand, which can cause them to start leaking," says Jim Kilgo, a supervisor at Austin's Groovy Automotive and Groovy Lube. "That causes battery failure in the long run."
Sarah Schimmer, AAA Texas public affairs representative, recommends that drivers keep in mind the age of their vehicles' batteries, especially in hot weather. "If it's older than 2 to 3 years, have it tested and consider having it changed out," she suggests.
Heat raises tire pressure, which is why manufacturers recommend checking their inflation before driving. And worn treads compound the effect. "As you drive during any month of the year, your tires' PSI (pounds per square inch) will raise from 5 to 8 pounds," Kilgo explains. "When it gets hot like this, it's going to raise even more. If you've got weak tires — worn tires — you've got a better chance of having a blowout."
Here's a bonus: Properly inflated tires in good condition (don't forget your spare) will improve your gas mileage.
If you see a car stranded on the shoulder and it's not up on a jack, chances are it has overheated. Your car is already working harder than normal in extreme heat, and low coolant levels can spell disaster for its engine. Belts stretch and hoses deteriorate with age; long periods of extreme heat can accelerate the process.
"A hose failure can cause an engine to blow almost before you can shut it down in this heat," Kilgo says.
"If you've got worn hoses that haven't been replaced in a while, you've got a better chance of a hose rupturing now than you do at any other time."
Read more: http://www.statesman.com/life/hot-weather-car-care-tips-1579503.html
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