Tips to Keep Your Car Cool and on the Road This Summer
18 May 1999
Tips to Keep Your Car Cool and on the Road This Summer
PHILADELPHIA--May 18, 1999--During the Pep Boys Indy Racing League season, conditions on the track are often hot and stressful on both drivers and equipment.The same can be true for fans going to the racetrack, but there's no reason for drivers on the highway and their vehicles to be subjected to some of the same stresses or overheating conditions.
Pep Boys suggests that race fans prepare their vehicles for a long, hot trip to and from the track this summer. Before heading out, owners should check to make sure their cars and light trucks will be able to undertake a safe and secure trip of anywhere from 20 to 2,000 miles, and that they'll arrive back home safely.
Pep Boys offers these hot weather car care tips to make the trip to and from the racetrack more enjoyable and worry-free:
The Cooling System
If your car's temperature gauge soars while your vehicle climbs hills, tows or just sits in traffic, it's because the engine and cooling system are working very hard. To avoid annoying breakdowns and potentially costly engine damage, it's important to conduct periodic maintenance on the cooling system.
To start, shut off the engine and wait until it's completely cool. Then relieve radiator pressure by slowly removing the radiator cap. Carefully check the radiator and heater hoses, and replace any that are worn, cracked, brittle or mushy. As a preventive measure, rubber hoses and belts should be replaced every three years. Check your owner's manual for your vehicles' recommended maintenance schedule.
Most manufacturers recommend flushing the cooling system every two years or 24,000 miles. Replace the coolant with the proper ratio of water and additive for your climate. Mixing coolant with an additive such as Pep Boys' "Pro-Blend's Stops Overheating," will improve heat conductivity, immediately reducing water temperature by as much as 40 degrees. As a result, engines will run cooler and perform better.
Also, test the cooling system for leaks. Use a pressure tester to determine if and where there's a leak. If there's an internal leak (i.e., milky-looking oil or steam from the exhaust), have it checked by a qualified professional, such as the ASE-certified technicians at Pep Boys.
The Thermostat
Periodically service the thermostat. The thermostat controls the flow of coolant between the engine block and radiator. When the engine is cold, the thermostat restricts the flow to the radiator, permitting the engine to warm up. As the engine warms, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow to the radiator and keeping the engine temperature within ideal operating limits.
To check the thermostat, place a thermometer in the radiator filler neck. Start the engine and observe the thermometer while the engine warms up. Watch the coolant that is visible in the filler neck. As the thermostat opens, steam will rise from the coolant and begin to swirl around. If the thermometer's temperature reading is below or above the rating of the thermostat as it opened, replace the thermostat. Air Conditioning
To save money and prevent unnecessary repairs, conduct basic maintenance on the car's air conditioning systems. First, inspect the condenser to see that it's free of dirt, leaves or bugs. Air must flow freely through both the condenser and the radiator, so gently clear away any debris. Next, check the air conditioner belt located on the system compressor, mounted on the side of the engine.
Look for signs of deterioration and test for proper tension. Also, check the water pump drive belt in the same manner. If it's slipping, the engine will run hotter and the radiator will give off more heat. If the fan belt is more than three years old, it may be best to replace it.
Wiper Blades
Don't forget the wiper blades. Winter weather can leave them cracked and worn. That, coupled with the dust and pollen that spring and summer can bring, can result in poor visibility when the sun hits the windshield. At the first sign of streaking and smearing, replace the blades (don't forget about the rear blade if your vehicle has one), and make sure the windshield washer fluid reservoir is filled.
These small precautions pay off in safe, pleasurable driving.
Finally, make an appointment to have your vehicle thoroughly checked by a Pep Boys' ASE-certified technician. There are more than 640 locations nationwide. To find the one nearest you, call 800/PEP-BOYS or visit their web site at http://www.pepboys.com.
Indianapolis-area Pep Boys can be found at:
Full Service Locations: Hours:
8404 Michigan Road M-F 8-9, Sat. 8-8, Sun. 9-6
317/802-9066
7201 E. Washington Street M-F 8-9, Sat. 8-8, Sun. 9-6
317/353-0020
4500 Lafayette Road M-F 8-9, Sat. 8-8, Sun. 9-6
317/297-0090
8588 East 96th Street M-F 8-9, Sat. 8-8, Sun. 9-6
317/595-0677
