BOISE – With record high temperatures scorching many parts of the Gem State, AAA is reminding drivers to take extra precautions to keep their vehicles from overheating.
“An overheated engine can damage moving parts, and may even warp the engine block, causing cracks that produce oil leaks,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Just like with our own bodies, managing heat is an important aspect of keeping your vehicle in good working order.”
Here are some tips to keep in mind, both this week and throughout the summer:
- Have your cooling system inspected. Make sure fluid levels are topped off and hoses are in good condition.
- Keep a close eye on your temperature gauge. Anything at ¾ or above is a sign that your vehicle may be overheating.
- If you see steam or hear hissing, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Carefully raise your hood, and use flares or reflectors as needed to alert other drivers. Get to a safe distance in the event of a vehicle fire.
- Keep a gallon of water or two in your vehicle to top off your radiator, or for people and pets.
- Never remove a hot radiator cap. Wait at least 20 minutes to do so.
- Keep an old towel or blanket handy to remove the radiator cap and to protect you from hot asphalt if you need to change a tire or look under your vehicle.
“Even vehicles that aren’t experiencing major mechanical issues can overheat under extreme temperatures, especially when carrying a full load of luggage and passengers,” Conde said. “If your car is struggling, it may be necessary to turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heat. It will be really uncomfortable, but it pulls heat off the engine block and could help you reach a better point of safety.”