Have you recently moved from a northern or mid-western state to the South? Are you prepared for “Summer in the South?” Or a better question may be, is your car prepared for the summer? The “dog days” of summer will be here before you know it. High temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle and can push it past its limits. You don’t want to find yourself on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.
Here are five safety tips from AAA to help vehicle owners safely survive high summer temperatures.
Heat zaps the life from batteries. The battery fluid evaporates faster in the summer and this can lead to corrosion on terminals and connections. Have your battery terminals and cable clamps cleaned to prevent corrosive buildup. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested to see how much longer it will last.
Keep your engine cool.
The cooling system protects the engine from overheating. Over time, the engine coolant becomes contaminated and its protective additives are depleted. Coolant systems should be flushed and the coolant replaced periodically.
Avoid excessive heat where the rubber meets the road.
Make sure your tires are inflated correctly so that they don’t overheat and cause a blowout. Inspect your tire tread for adequate depth
Cars need fluids during extreme heat.
Keeping engine fluid levels filled is essential to keeping the engine running smoothly. They not only lubricate, but also serve as coolants by carrying heat away from critical components. When the levels are low, the possibility of overheating increases. Fluids that should be checked regularly are motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels. Be sure to use the fluid specified in the owner’s manual.
Cool passengers are happy passengers.
Keeping your vehicle cool for a comfortable driving environment reduces fatigue, which plays an important role in driver alertness and vehicle safety. If the vehicle’s air conditioning is not maintaining the interior temperature as well as it did in the past could mean that the refrigerant level is low. Have the air conditioning system checked by an auto technician.
It is best to have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Include these items: water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools and a first aid kit.
The wireless app by Patriot Automotive can help with the maintenance reminders to save time and money. You don’t even have to think about adding reminders on your calendar. The app sends them to you automatically.There are other ways that the wireless app from Patriot can monitor vehicles.
For personalized strategies to enhance dealership success and foster customer loyalty, reach out to ROI By Patriot at sales@roibypatriot.com or call 833-726-0767.
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