Car emergencies rise with heat
This most recent heat wave, the fifth of the season, has been extremely busy for AAA Mid-Atlantic. Since Aug. 10, when the heat wave began, AAA Mid-Atlantic has received 7,728 calls for roadside assistance in the Philadelphia fivecounty area, with most breakdowns a result of extreme heat.
Through Tuesday, drivers called for help with:
• Dead batteries (2,028 or about 26 percent);
• Flat tires (1,269 or 16 percent);
• Cars needing a tow (3,337 or 43 percent).
Each issue reflects common cumulative damage associated with extreme heat.
“Exposure to extreme temperatures, hot or cold, can have a negative effect on your car,” says Jana Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “With this excessive heat, you may find yourself stranded and in a dangerous situation. Careful preparation of your car is crucial to weathering summer’s hottest temperatures.”
Motorists will beat the summer heat by following AAA Mid-Atlantic’s advice on preparing a vehicle for extended, super-hot and humid days:
• Batteries more than two years old should be tested by a qualified technician to ensure they have the starting power to handle the stress of extreme temperatures.
• Motor oil plays an important role in keeping the engine cool: Check oil level and condition. Driving under ex-
“Exposure to extreme temperatures, hot or cold, can have a negative effect on your car.” — Jana Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs, AAA Mid-Atlantic
treme conditions, such as over mountains or towing a heavy trailer? Switch to a motor oil with higher viscosity. Check the owner’s manual for specific oil recommendations.
• Check air conditioning system performance. If needed, have it serviced by a qualified technician. Do not use nonapproved substitute refrigerants. Check the owner’s manual for approved types.
• Inspect antifreeze/ coolant level and condition: Ensure the proper 50/50 mixture of water and coolant is present.
• If your car overheats, never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled. Coolant in the radiator is under pressure and can flash into steam, causing severe burns.
• Other ‘under-thehood’ components such as belts and hoses, often made of rubber parts, also become stressed by extreme heat and should be regularly inspected. Be sure the vehicle engine is turned off before inspecting these items.