Transportation Tuesday TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY A quick auto check eases driving worries!! Before you pull out of the driveway or parking, take time to check your vehicle to make sure it is ready to take the heat. Summer driving can be harsh and exhausting for you and your vehicle. A regular check can help you enjoy a summer of trouble-free driving.

Transportation Tuesday Engine can overheat and breakdown. Improper air conditioning could lead to heat illness. Possibility of exhaustion, dizziness and heat stroke. It can also cause the compressor to fail and the belt to break. Constant use of air conditioning places a lot of strain on the engine and increases the operating temperature.The vehicle can overheat this way. Tyres with insufficient air, build up heat which can either blow out or catch fire, and lead to tread wear. Excessive heat can affect vehicle transmission and fluids. Batteries deteriorate faster during summer. What are the consequences in ?

Transportation Tuesday Here are some summer driving tips: Check your vehicle and ensure that it is mechanically ready to handle the road and heat. Inspect the radiator for leaks and check the fluid. Don’t touch the radiator when the engine is hot. Also check your belts, hoses, cooling fan and water pump. Look for any cracks, splits or leaks in belts and hoses which signal trouble ahead. Also make sure that all connections are tight. Check coolant and thermostat. If the thermostat does not operate at the proper temperature, it will lead to overheating of the engine. Make sure to stay on top of your oil change, since a hot engine needs all the lubrication it can get. It also helps keep the engine cool. Before driving, check and see if your battery is in good shape.

Transportation Tuesday Summer driving tips continued… Examine tyres for uneven tread and make sure that all tyres are inflated properly. Check it on a regular basis especially during long road trips. Always carry a spare. Check your air conditioning system. A failing AC system not only affects the cooling breeze in your vehicle but causes major damage to the vehicle engine. Watch the temperature gauge. If the temperature is running hotter than it usually does, take precaution and slow down. If the engine is overheating and near the red zone- PARK YOUR CAR & SWITCH YOUR ENGINE OFF! Do not attempt to open the radiator until cooled down. Go slow to prevent overheating. High speeds create heat in tyres and the engine. In the desert conditions the heat may build up to a point where it is dangerous, increasing chances of tyre failure or fire, and engine failure.

Transportation Tuesday Here are some suggestions to consider before driving… 1- If you are not comfortable performing a vehicle inspection, it is better to take it to a a qualified and experience auto mechanic for a complete check. 2- Dress in light clothing to beat the heat. 3- Carry a bottle of water and drink it often. 4- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes against ultraviolet radiation. 5- Wear sunscreen to avoid a sunburn. 6- You should consider carrying a first aid kit and jumper cables in case your battery fails.

Transportation Tuesday