Summer Heat Can Prove Deadly for Motorists, Their Families and Vehicles
PHILADELPHIA--June 27, 2002--Each year hundreds of children fall victim to injury or death due to being left unattended in or around a car -- especially during the summer months.Pep Boys -- Manny, Moe and Jack , the nation's leading full-service automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, is reminding parents and child-care providers with Public Service Announcements to make sure that a child is never left alone in a vehicle, especially during days of extreme heat.
According to the Department of Geosciences of San Francisco State University, a vehicle's interior temperature can rise to deadly temperatures in a short time. Even on a mild day, temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees in just three minutes, 125 degrees in only eight minutes and 140 degrees in just 10 minutes. In fact, temperatures can reach as high as 180 degrees or more -- hot enough to broil poultry and cook ground beef.
A good way to ensure that motorists, their passengers and vehicles are safe from the heat is to perform these preventive maintenance procedures:
| -- | Carefully check the radiator for leaks and debris |
| -- | Flush the cooling system every 24,000 miles or according to the vehicle manufacturers' recommendation |
| -- | Check your cooling system for leaks -- a pressure test can determine if and where there is a leak |
| -- | Periodically service the thermostat, which controls the flow of coolant between the engine block and the radiator |
Also, make sure the air conditioning system is working properly by doing the following:
| -- | Inspect the condenser in front of the radiator and the air cabin intake area near the windshield, to make sure that it isn't clogged with dirt, leaves or bugs |
| -- | Check the air conditioner belt on the system's compressor, usually located on the side of the engine opposite the alternator |
| -- | Check the water pump drive belt in the same manner as the air conditioner drive belt |
Most importantly, remember to NEVER leave children or pets in a vehicle unattended, even for a minute. For more information on how to get the most out of your car visit your local Pep Boys or go to pepboys.com
Pep Boys operates 629 stores and over 6,500 service bays in 36 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its vehicle repair and maintenance capabilities, the company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 800/PEP-BOYS or by visiting pepboys.com.
