High temperatures can affect the safety offered by cars during long travel. Specialists offer some essential tips on how the most “sensitive” components of cars can be checked.
Checking the car before travel is essential, summer. Photo: freepik.com
In summer, not only people need to take precautions in the face of high temperatures, but cars also require special attention. Experts offer some essential tips for their care before starting on the road, so that the owners prevent the wear of the cars and the additional expenses.
The maintenance of the car should not be neglected from the list of holiday preparations, representatives of the American Association of Automobile (AAA) show, which offer some tips for those who start on long trips during this period.
Check their tires and their pressure
Drivers are advised to inspect all four tires and, if they have, the spare wheel.
“Looking for cuts, scratches or swelling on the side. Enter a currency between ditches to check their depth“, Aaa shows.
Low tire pressure can lead to overheating and even explosion on the hot asphalt. When the tires are sub -inflated, the risk of explosion is higher, and the car’s behavior becomes slower and more inaccurate, braking distances increase and increase stress on tire components.
“Check the tire pressure when the car has been and the tires are cold. Sweet them, as needed, at the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You will find it in the owner’s manual and on the driver’s door frame. Do not use the number on the tire flank,” Complete the specialists.
Brake noises can send the car into service
The car brakes must also be checked. According to the specialists, the heat increases the temperature of the brakes at each stop, especially in traffic, on descents or on the long road.
“If you hear a frictional sound or feel a vibration when you press the brakes, take your vehicle to a car workshop for a brake inspection. A service professional will check the braking system for liquid leaks and plates, discs, shoes and drums,” informs AAA.
And car liquids must be checked
During the summer it is important to maintain at an adequate level of the engine liquids, which help to cool the critical components.
“Check that the engine oil, cooling liquid and brake fluids, transmission and power steering are at the correct levels for the safe operation of the vehicle. When adding liquids, use products that meet the specifications in the owner’s manual. The new car models can have automatic sealed transmissions, without using the liquid, and no power.transmits AAA.
Batteries, affected by heat and vibration
The heat of summer can be more harmful to car batteries than the cold of winter. Heat and vibrations are the two biggest enemies of a battery, leading to internal degradation and, finally, to failure, the specialists transmit.
Drivers are advised to fix the battery well to minimize the vibrations and clean any corrosive deposits on the terminals and cable clips.
“Check if the battery terminals are clean and tight, and the battery is well fixed in the compartment. If you want to be sure you do not stay with the headlights on the highway, go to a service for a capacity test.”AAA shows.
Specialists especially recommend testing older than three years, before starting on long trips.
The essential air conditioning for passenger comfort
Rubber wiping blades naturally deteriorate over time. If the wipers leave traces or fail to clean the windshield, they must be replaced.
“Fill the tank for the windscreen fluid with liquid formulated to remove insects and other debris and test to make sure that the nozzles spray properly.”transmits AAA.
Specialists show the role of air conditioning in maintaining the driver’s safety. If the system does not cool effectively, it may require service.
“Take a test-drive with the air conditioning. shows the specialists.
Emergency kit for long travelers
The rubber transmission belts are moving the engine water pump and accessories such as the alternator and the air conditioning compressor, so they should be inspected and replaced when cracked, glossy or broken.
“He notes that modern multi-mechanical belt materials or transmission belt do not show visible signs of wear easy to see. As a general rule, it replaces the transmission straps every 100,000 kilometers. Inspect and replaces the radiator hoses, brites, swollen or excessively.AAA shows.
Experts recommend that drivers have in the car a well -equipped emergency kit, including a flashlight and new batteries, first aid materials, drinking water, non -perishable snacks for people and pets, battery start cables, emergency or reflective signals, a rainfall, a tape set. of paper.
Also, to be informed in time where I can find, on the planned route, a car workshop and a reliable technician.
