Summer Heat and Your Car

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

02 Jul 2006 06:24 AM

The mercury hit 90 degrees in Wisconsin Saturday. Though it felt more like 150 degrees in my car. There is nothing I dread more than exiting an air-conditioned grocery store and climbing into a vehicle that has been baking in the mid-afternoon heat. It got me thinking about the effect this blistering heat can have on a car and what could happen if you are on the road when trouble strikes.

It is no surprise that during the summertime one of the top three causes of vehicle breakdowns is overheating. To avoid having this inconvenience put a damper on your summer road trip, car care experts recommend getting your cooling system completely flushed and refilled as recommended in your owner's manual. Also, the level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is recommended.) If the inevitable happens and your car does overheat, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has had time to thoroughly cool down.

As I mentioned before, hot days beget hot vehicle interiors. Leave your car in the middle of a mall parking lot on a scorcher of a day and when you return to it you'll likely find that the temperature inside easily exceeds 100 degrees... a virtual deathtrap for people and pets. Even when you are at home and your car is parked, it is wise to keep these tips in mind:

· Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.

· Always lock car doors and trunks -- even at home -- and keep the keys out of children's reach.

· Always make sure all child passengers have left the car when you reach your destination. Don't overlook sleeping infants.

· Before securing your child in a safety seat that has been exposed to the hot sun, check to make sure the seat surface and buckles are not too hot.

· If you can't find a parking spot under a tree or other shady area, consider using shades on your windows. Also, place a towel or blanket over your child's car seat so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Related Articles:

· My Hydroplaning Horror Story

· Vacation Carpool

· The Family Road Trip

· Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 1

· Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 2

· Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 3

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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