Your car is also hot

Your car is also hot
Benoit Charette


 
Your car is also hot
We will go through a period of severe heatwave over the next few days. Of course, we repeat to be careful, to drink plenty of water and if you have to take the road it should be remembered that your vehicle can also suffer from the heat. Both hot and cold demand increased effort from your vehicle and it was when I saw the number of vehicles immobilized along Highway 10 that I thought it would be good to give some advice on this subject. It's all about maintenance. Just like periods of extreme cold which increase the number of tows by 30 to 40%, the same goes for very hot weather. But what can you do to prevent breakage? The majority of the problems will arise in the cooling system which is the most used during the great heat. Anything that touches the radiator directly or indirectly, such as the hoses which can crack under pressure, the water pump which can overheat or the radiator fins which can be clogged, are at risk. It is also good to check the effectiveness of the antifreeze which plays a crucial role in regulating the temperature of the engine. Don't forget the battery. The heat acts on the expansion of the metal that makes up most engines. The hotter a metal, the more it expands and creates friction that requires more battery power to operate the vehicle properly. The battery will also be used. So, you also need to make sure that your battery is in good condition. Finally, to face the heat without problems, the entire electrical system must be in good condition: alternator, starter, spark plug wires, etc. The belts must also be properly tensioned, so that the accessories they drive can function properly.

If your vehicle isn't new and you're going on vacation or planning a longer trip, it's not a bad idea to have your vehicle inspected before you go. You will be sure to leave with peace of mind.