Heat Wave Warning: Overheating Can Be Dangerous For You And Your Car

HOUSTON, Aug. 9 Most of the country is in the midst of one
of the hottest summers in years. Many cars, especially those driving in stop
and go traffic, may have to pull over to the side of the road due to
overheating. According to the American Automobile Association, overheating is
one of the most common causes for breakdowns.
    Such a scenario increases the possibility for accidents, creates
tremendous inconvenience and often results in costly repairs. Here is a
checklist of hot weather car care tips from Mark Ferner of the Pennzoil-Quaker
State Research Technology Center in Houston:
    -- Check the front of the radiator for excessive debris like leaves, trash
and bugs blocking the airflow.  Carefully remove the debris without damaging
the fins of the radiator.
    -- Examine the radiator hoses and heater hoses for signs of deterioration.
When the engine temperature is cool and the engine is off, carefully squeeze
the hoses with your thumb and two fingers. Check for cracks and for soft,
gooey voids or hardened areas.  Replace all hoses if you find a bad one.
    -- Check the condition and adjustment of belts. A loose belt can affect
the efficiency of the water pump. A broken belt can stop the pump entirely.
    -- Check the coolant level and add if necessary. Most cars require a 50-50
mix of water and antifreeze, but consult your owner's manual. Some cars are
recommending a 70% antifreeze/30% water mix. If coolant is rusty or murky,
have a cooling system flush at a Jiffy Lube service center.
    -- Have the radiator pressure cap tested.  The radiator cap allows the
pressure in the cooling system to rise so the boiling point of the coolant
will also rise. A bad cap can result in overheating.  NEVER loosen or remove a
radiator cap when the engine is warm or hot!
    -- Make sure the thermostat is not stuck closed.  When the engine is cold,
the thermostat is closed.  Carefully touch the upper radiator hose and note
that it is cool to the touch.  Run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes to allow
the engine to warm up. If the thermostat is now warmed up and open, the upper
radiator hose should be hot to the touch.
    -- Clean the exterior of the engine. Accumulated oil and dirt will cause
heat retention, like wearing a fur coat.

    Even a car in optimum condition can still overheat. Here are some more
operating tips:
    -- When stuck in heavy traffic, turn off the air conditioner and open the
windows.  Without AC, the engine won't work quite so hard.  Once you
are out of traffic and moving down the road, airflow through the
radiator will help cool the engine. Remember to turn the AC back on
once the engine is again at operating temperature. Otherwise, the drag
from the open window will negatively impact your gas mileage.
    -- Another idea for when you are stuck in traffic or when you come to a
stop is to put the transmission in park and give the engine a little
acceleration - do not race it, just get it off idle. This will allow the water
pump and fan to operate more effectively.
    -- If the car is still running hot, turn on the heater. Though this may be
uncomfortable for you, the heater inside the dash will then serve as a second
radiator to help cool off the engine.
    -- If the gauge still shows that your car is running hot or the red light
is still on, safely pull off onto the side of the road and turn off the
engine. Raise the hood so that air can circulate and wait for at least twenty
minutes. Do not try to remove the radiator cap off an overheated car! Cool it
down first. Also, never add cold water to a hot radiator!
    Severe and costly engine damage can occur when you continue to drive an
overheated vehicle.

    Other tips:
    -- Carry a jug of water in your emergency kit in the trunk. Also have
available a scarf or handkerchief and a belt (clothing belt). In case of a
split hose, you can wrap the scarf or handkerchief around the split hose and
tighten the belt over it. This will get you to a service facility where you
can have the hose replaced. (Having good strong electrical tape in your
emergency kit is also a good idea.)
    -- Antifreeze should be used in the cooling system all year round. In the
winter, it prevents freezing of the coolant and in the summer helps prevent
boil over. In case of an emergency, you can add water without antifreeze in
order to get to a service facility like a Jiffy Lube. After the cooling system
is repaired, the proper mix of antifreeze and water must be added.

    The technicians at Jiffy Lube service centers are trained to recognize
problems that may be occurring in your engine or elsewhere on your vehicle at
the time of your regularly scheduled maintenance service. Should a problem
arise, your Jiffy Lube service technician will likely recommend a visit to an
expert mechanic for necessary repairs.