BOISE – Every year, millions of Americans head out on summer road trips. And every year, some travelers find themselves stuck on the side of the road with an overheated engine. AAA shares tips to help drivers reduce their risk of engine trouble.
“We’re happy to assist our members at the roadside and to share ways to help avoid a vehicle breakdown. But never underestimate the importance of a pre-trip inspection from a trusted mechanic,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Some oil change places will top off vital engine fluids as part of their service. But even so, finding a repair shop to assist you can prevent big headaches later on.”
AAA safety tips
- Monitor your temperature gauge. As a general rule, anything above the ¾ mark could be a sign of trouble.
- Make sure cooling system hoses, liquids, and the radiator are in good working order. Hoses should be tight and well-connected.
- Always bring a gallon or two of water for people and pets or to top off the radiator.
- If you need to pull over, raise your hood to alert other drivers, and break out snacks as needed from your emergency kit. Put down flares or reflectors to alert other drivers, and don’t forget to turn on your emergency/hazard lights.
- Never remove a hot radiator cap – wait at least 20 minutes.
“Your vehicle is working harder if it’s loaded with luggage and passengers, if external temperatures are high, and if there are any steep increases in elevation,” Conde said. “If your engine starts to overheat and you can’t immediately pull over, you may be able to get to a point of safety by turning off the A/C and turning on the heat for a period of time.”
AAA also reminds drivers to never leave children or pets unattended in hot cars – an important safety reminder with extreme heat expected across the Gem State for the foreseeable future.