summer car care tips 2011, AAA New Jersey Automobile Club recommendations : High temperatures in the summer months can be just as damaging to cars as the chill of winter. The AAA New Jersey Automobile Club has offered the following four recommendations to help drivers avoid heat-related car breakdowns in the summer. ;
1. Check the battery
Extreme heat causes battery fluid to evaporate much faster, leading to corrosion on battery terminals and connections. Drivers should check their batteries and clean where areas of corrosion are present. Professional mechanics used heavy-duty chemicals to remove corrosion, but according to Rob Saulino of Konner Chevrolet in West Caldwell, “in a pinch, pouring a little bit of Coca Cola on battery terminals and scrubbing with a wire brush will remove enough corrosion on a battery to accept a jump start."
Vibration can also cause batteries to fail due to internal destruction. Make sure car batteries are properly mounted and secured to decrease vibration. Members of the AAA New Jersey Automobile Club can have their car batteries inspected and tested at no extra cost. If a new battery is needed, AAA New Jersey will install new batteries on site.
2. Hydrate your engines
Car cooling systems are absolutely essential to protect engine components from corrosion and overheating in the summer. Engine coolant should be flushed and replenished periodically because expired coolant has lost protective additives and is rich in contaminants. Between changes, drivers can top off coolant levels if necessary by checking the overflow reservoir. Additions to the reservoir can be made with a 50/50 mix of water and the vehicle manufacturer recommended coolant. Never open a radiator cap when the engine is hot because pressurized, boiling coolant can easily cause serious burns.
Other vehicle fluids like motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid all lubricate engine components in addition to dispersing heat. When these fluids are too low their ability to cool the engine is diminished and increases risk for overheating. Have all vehicle fluids checked and refilled if needed.
3. Monitor tire pressure
Underinflated tires are at a much greater risk for blowout because greater tire surface interacting with pavement results in increased tire friction and heat. These effects are further compounded with higher road temperatures. Check all tire pressures (including the spare) when they are cool to obtain an accurate reading and make sure pressures are consistent with recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. Proper pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or driver’s side doorjamb.
4. Be cool and prepared
Air conditioning in the car cabin creates a comfortable environment but more importantly reduces fatigue and increases attention. If your car’s AC isn’t cold, the refrigerant level is probably low and needs to be recharged. Many vehicles also have filters as part of their climate control systems that block pollutants and allergens from entering the car. These filters should be replaced as needed to ensure maximum protection and airflow into the car.
Even the best maintained cars can still breakdown. It is always a good idea to have an emergency kit stored inside the vehicle at all times. These kits include almost everything needed after experiencing a car breakdown and can be found at local auto shops and hardware stores. An important addition that kits do not usually include is water and non-perishable food items.
With temperatures next week forecast in the 90s, check your car now to avoid a painfully hot breakdown.
0 comments:
Post a Comment