DRIVERS are being urged to do two maintenance checks on their vehicles this summer – before the worst of the heat hits.
Car owners living in hotter parts of the country – such as those hailing in Houston, Texas – are being prompted by experts to take crucial steps to prevent dangerous situations.
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In a report by KHOU 11, Doug Shupe, a spokesperson for AAA Texas, recently revealed what drivers need to consider when it comes to car maintenance ahead of major heat waves or summer road trips.
He said: “It’s really important for people to prepare their vehicles for this heat.
“The summer heat can really take a toll on batteries as well as tires and also overheating problems.”
Shupe advised drivers to make sure batteries are secured – as heat and vibration put them most at risk, while checking tire tread is vital before hitting the road – especially during the hotter months.
“Not only are we dealing with warm air temperatures, but the roads get very hot,” Shupe said.
“So, if your tires are in bad shape, that could cause a blowout.”
Thankfully, a simple test is enough to help tell if new tires are required – merely requiring a quarter and placing it on the tread.
Using this method, make sure George Washington is upside down, and if the top of his head is visible, then it is time to change tires.
CHILD SAFETY
The soaring summer heat can also pose a risk to children who are left in cars alone.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there have already been three reported deaths of children left or trapped in hot cars this year.
This has prompted nonprofit Kids and Car Safety to send a warning to parents and guardians of the dangers around leaving a child in a vehicle.
Amber Rollins, the director of Kids and Car Safety, said: “Children are riding rear-facing, you can’t see them, they fall asleep in the car, you can’t hear them and if you’ve got a change of routine, it could lead to disaster.”
Rollins suggests drivers use a physical reminder, such as placing a stuffed animal on their lap or keeping an essential item, like a laptop, in the back seat.
This encourages drivers to check the back seat and ensure their child is safe before starting their day.
There are even devices in cars that can help alert if a child has been left behind.
Rollins added: “Literally, for young children minutes can be the difference between life or death or even lifelong brain damage in a hot car, because the inside of a car heats up very quickly.”
Anyone who witnesses a child left in a hot car is urged to call 999.
If a child appears to be in immediate danger, you should take whatever steps necessary to rescue the child, including breaking the window.
Texas, for example, has a Good Samaritan law that generally protects people who attempt to rescue someone.
Expert advice on prepping your car for summer
Dustin Piggot, the Service Manager at a Subaru Dealership with years of technincal experience, told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview which items drivers should have checked before temperatures rise:
- Have a multi-point inspection performed. A paid inspection will prompt a technician to check vital systems like braking, power steering, and front and rear suspension for any leaks or malfunctions. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
- Cooling system. Before things heat up, drivers must have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, have radiator hoses evaluated, and have the radiator checked.
- Have your A/C system checked. If freon is low and needs charging or parts need to be replaced, it’s essential to address the issue before temperatures rise.
- Make sure your tires are appropriate for warmer weather. If you live in a climate that necessitates a dedicated winter tire, swap them with all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of the winter tire. Winter tires are softer and will wear out much quicker in warmer weather.
- Look at tread depth. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
- Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it’s important to give your car a good cleaning to wash away winter grime and dirt and treat your paint to a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.
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