Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.
Check hoses and drive belts cracks, bulges, or frayed edges. When the engine is cold, visually check for cracks or small leaks. Also, squeeze your radiator and heater hoses: A hose that is particularly hard when squeezed is most likely deteriorating and should be replaced. Exceptionally soft hoses should be replaced as well. After driving your car long enough to allow the engine to become warm, look carefully at all hoses to spot any swollen areas, which will indicate the weak spots. Obviously, turn off the engine and use caution as engine parts may be hot. After the engine has cooled, check around hose connections for wetness, deposits, or fluid build-up that could identify any minor leaks that occur after the engine has cooled down and all expansion and contraction of the components has occurred.
The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt, and debris.
The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir. As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually.
Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it's important to check the pressure when tires are cold.
The owner's manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle's tires. "It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.
Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery. To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car's battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.
The council reminds motorists that the vehicle's exterior also can be damaged by sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt, and air pollution. To protect the paint and finish, vehicles should be washed weekly and waxed every six months. Or consider using a soft, protective car cover.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.
For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org .
Car Care Council
7101 Wisconsin Ave. Suite 1300