Posted on: Tuesday, June 29, 2004

DRIVE TIME
Summer temperatures take toll on car engines

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

If you think it's hot inside your car or truck this summer, imagine what's going on under the hood.

The folks at AAA Hawaii say that summer is probably the toughest time for an automobile here. Just as the heat takes a toll on tempers and saps energy from people, the high temperatures often cause auto breakdowns on local roads.

Last summer, AAA Hawaii changed 1,325 flat tires and did 2,560 battery boosts. While not all of those were caused by the heat alone, it undoubtedly contributed, says Jeff Goldsmith, executive director of AAA Hawaii.

"On days when the mercury hits the 90s, the number of motorists experiencing breakdowns increases significantly," Goldsmith said.

And it's not just radiators overheating because of air conditioning systems in constant use. Goldsmith says the heat can contribute to dead batteries, broken belts, blown tires and many other problems.

AAA Hawaii says a number of simple checks can be done to help minimize the summer-time problems:

• Inspect antifreeze/coolant levels. The best insurance against an overheated engine is a proper mixture of coolant and water. AAA also recommends checking to see if the coolant system has been flushed and changed as recommended by the vehicle maintenance schedule.
• Inspect and replace worn or cracked belts. High temperatures can cause old belts to dry out and crack, usually in the most inconvenient of circumstances.
• Check tires for proper inflation and uneven wear. Properly inflated tires also contribute to better summer gas mileage at a time when prices are usually at their highest.
• Check the level and condition of engine oil. If you're driving regularly in very hot temperatures or tend to tow things in the summer, switch to a heavier motor oil.
• Check the transmission fluid. If it seems dirty or smells burnt, replace it since heat can make the fluid thinner and less effective.
• Replace old batteries. High temperatures can put extra stress on batteries and leave you stranded.
• Consider switching gasoline. If you hear pinging in the engine during hot times, try using a higher octane fuel to eliminate the noise. You can always switch back to the lower-octane, lower cost variety when the heat goes down.

Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.