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AAA Offers Vehicle Advice for Extreme Heat

By WEEK Reporter
July 19, 2011 Updated Jul 19, 2011 at 9:01 PM CDT

High humidity and steaming hot temperatures are not only a nuisance for people and animals, but cars too.

That's why AAA says it is important to make sure vehicles get adequate attention when faced with extreme temperatures. 

"While many drivers think about the importance of readying their vehicle for cold weather, it's important to not forget about the need also to prepare for hot summer months," said Beth Mosher, AAA Chicago Director of Public Affairs.

The travel organization has outlined five areas in which drivers should be attentive to during the summer months: 

1. Heat can drain battery life: While most drivers think of winter as the harsh instigator of maltreatment for car batteries, it is actually quite the opposite.  AAA says heat and vibration are actually a car battery's worst enemies.  The battery fluid tends to evaporate faster during this time, which leads to corrosion on connections and terminals. Eventually, this can lead to internal failure.

2. Keep engines cool: During hot summer months, a car's cooling system has to work extra hard to keep the engine from overheating.  Coolant should be replaced periodically and maintenance to the cooling system is recommended every five years/ 50,000 miles.  If a vehicle's cooling system is not working properly, it can lead to long-term engine damage.  AAA reminds drivers to never take off the radiator cap when the engine is hot, because this can lead to serious burns.

3. Avoid heat where the rubber meets the road: Under-inflated tires have been known to be the cause of braking and handling problems.  Tires can actually overheat and blow out if there is not enough air in the tires.  Always inflate tires according to the number in the owner's manual, and not the number printed on the tire sidewall. 

4. Cars need fluids during extreme heat too:  Check up on motor oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.  Adequate fluid levels are essential for a smooth-running engine.  

5. A cool car is a happy car: Not only is a properly working air conditioning system a luxury during extreme heat, it's also an indicator of how other parts of your car are running.  If the air conditioning system is not functioning, this could mean refrigerant is low or possibly other internal issues. 

For more information on summer heat and driving, please visit www.AAA.com  

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