BOISE – The hot temperatures aren’t going away anytime soon, causing your vehicle to work that much harder. AAA is sharing tips to keep your car ready for all your summer travel plans.
The common warning signs of an overheating vehicle are a temperature gauge at or above the ¾ mark, steam emitting from under the hood, and unexpected vehicle sluggishness.
“It’s human nature to try to stretch out a vehicle maintenance program and avoid the downtime and cost of repairs. But deferred maintenance could bring a more expensive bill down the road,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “The pre-trip inspection, even a quick one, is still your best defense against an overheating vehicle.”
Extreme heat also damages car batteries by speeding up internal reactions – while cold weather takes the blame when cars fail to start, hot weather often does the permanent battery damage that can lead to sudden failure.
AAA recommends checking engine fluid levels and ensuring that belts and hoses are in good repair. If your battery is three years old or older, have it tested by an auto parts store or a trusted repair shop. AAA members can call 1-800-AAA-HELP to find out if a complimentary battery and electrical diagnostic test is available in their area.
“Drivers should bring plenty of water on a road trip – it’s perfect for people, pets, or to top off a radiator,” Conde said. “Please wait at least 20 minutes before removing a hot radiator cap to reduce the risk of a burn.”
In an emergency situation, some drivers may choose to turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heat to temporarily pull heat away from the engine. Otherwise, the best bet is to pull over in a safe location, raise the hood, and call for assistance.
Vehicle owners can find a AAA Approved Auto Repair location in their area by visiting AAA.com/autorepair.