KEEP YOUR HOT RIDE COOL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - It is a familiar scene. Cars zoom by as waves of heat radiate from the sun-baked pavement. Puffs of steam escape from your raised hood. Perhaps a curse or two escapes your lips.

If this has never happened to you, consider yourself lucky. If it has, you understand the frustrations of travel delays and towing and repair expenses. In either case, you can take measures to decrease the likelihood of the occurrence of summer car trouble.

"Cars are like people, they require more fluids in the summertime to keep from overheating," said Leon West, a University of Arkansas professor of mechanical engineering.

West said radiators, like pressure cookers, vent vapor when temperatures rise. Venting is necessary to prevent overheating, but it also releases precious fluids which help to keep your engine cool.

"You should always see fluid in the overflow tank," West said.

Although engines operate at high internal temperatures, they are designed to operate in maximum external temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees. Ensuring that the radiator has enough fluid and engine oil has enough viscosity will help prevent problems.

Fluid levels are also important in car batteries. West said batteries operating in the summer heat are operating at the extreme range of their capacity.

"Batteries operating at low fluid levels will probably get you to your destination, but your car may not start when you are ready to leave," West said.

Some batteries come with visual indicators on the caps to show fluid levels. Red generally means that it needs more fluid.

"It’s worth the extra dollar or two to have an attendant check the battery," West said.

Heat also place extra stress on tires. "Tires expand in extreme heat and can blowout, especially if they are under-inflated," West said.

An under-inflated tire will over-flex when driving, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply, West said. This is made worse by hot pavement, leading to a temperature that the tire may not be able to safely endure.

"Every time you fuel you should walk around the vehicle and look at the tire bulges," West said. "Check the pressure of any tire that appears to have a larger bulge than usual or that appears abnormal compared to the other tires."

West recommends the following to prevent being stranded on the roadside:

• Check your vehicles fluid levels frequently
• Check the radiator before driving or during the evening when the temperature has dropped and the engine is cool to prevent being burned by escaping vapor.
• Be careful if you remove battery caps to check the fluid level. Wash you hands immediately after to remove any battery acid.
• Visually check the tire bulges every time you fuel.
• Go to a full service station if you are unable to check your vehicle or uncomfortable with doing so. The attendant can check for problems at a minimal cost.
• Schedule biannual service trips to have your vehicle’s oil changed, fluid levels checked and tires and brakes inspected.