The summer is here; as we all know, Houston is susceptible to heat waves and triple-digit temperatures. While we may be aware of the discomfort they bring, especially in a hot car, we often overlook the grave dangers of extreme heat and what they pose to us and our vehicles.
According to AAA, heat can affect the automobile in various ways by interfering with the vehicle's ability to operate because fluids evaporate faster, circulation is diminished, making most parts work even harder, tire replacements, and a higher demand for roadside assistance.
The Rise In Temperature Can Affect Car Batteries?
For the most part, extremely high temperatures can drain the vehicle's batteries and electrical components because batteries have a hard time preserving a charge and producing power when exposed to intense heat. After all, the internal chemical process is disturbed. To maintain batteries during the summer, drive the vehicle daily to keep the cooler air in the engine.
In addition, this might cause the automobile to have trouble starting since overheating engines reduce fuel circulation. With the temperature rising, everyone has their auto's air conditioning on, which causes a strain on the engine.
To avoid a breakdown due to the strain being put on the engine by the air conditioning, it is recommended to keep the cooling system checked and maintained by flushing the antifreeze and checking the pH level, radiator hoses, and belts.
What About Tires?
Another physical issue that might develop as the heat increases are tire pressure drop, leading to uneven tread wear on your tires, especially when the pavement is exceedingly hot. Driving with underinflated tires can cause the tires to overheat more and increase the chances of a blowout.
It's important to check your tire pressure after your vehicle has been parked for a while, regardless of the time of year. Additionally, inspecting your tires for any signs of uneven wear or baldness is crucial.
How to Avoid Heat-Related Breakdowns?
With the information given by the AAA, getting your car inspected every summer is recommended, especially if it is an older vehicle model. Before hitting the road in scorching temperatures, keep in mind these preventive measures:
1. One must check the fluid levels before a lengthy trip, especially the coolant, which prevents the engine from overheating.
2. Flush the air conditioning system every two to five years. To learn how to flush your a/c system, check it out in this AutoZone Advice & How-To link.
3. Remove rust and corrosion from the battery terminals and cable clamps.
4. Check the belts for fraying and see signs of wear on the hoses.
5. Fifth, maintain appropriate tire pressure.
While out on the road, you should:
1. Monitor the fuel, oil, and temperature gauges.
2. Second, if the car's engine is overheating, you should pull over so the engine can cool off.
3. Third, bring along a toolkit, spare belts, and fluids in case you need to make any repairs.
Being Inside a Vehicle Is Dangerous
Every year, numerous cases of heat-related deaths and injuries occur due to the lack of awareness about the rapid and dangerous temperature increase within vehicles. Even with cracked windows, autos can transform into sweltering furnaces under the blazing summer sun within minutes.
During the day, the interior temperature can skyrocket to over 100°F (37.7°C) within minutes. Studies have shown that within 10 minutes, the climate inside an auto can increase by 20°F (11°C), and within 30 minutes, it can rise by 40°F (22°C). This intense heat can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and even death.
Do Not Leave Children and Animals In The Auto!
Children and pets are most susceptible to the dangers of high temperatures in cars. Kids' bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults, making them more prone to heatstroke.
Their inability to regulate body temperature effectively and their limited ability to express their distress put them at greater risk. Similarly, pets, especially dogs, are also at risk due to their inability to cool down as effectively as humans. Even leaving a pet in the car for a short period can be life-threatening.
Take Safe Precautions
Heatstroke, the most severe consequence of extremely high calefaction in cars, is often a silent killer. The symptoms can range from dizziness and confusion to nausea, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration states organ damage and even death can occur when a child's core body temperature reaches 104°F (40°C) or higher. Time is of the essence in treating heatstroke, and immediate medical attention is crucial.
Preventing tragedy is within our control. Several preventive measures can be taken to safeguard against the dangers of intense car heat.
First and foremost, never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes. Double-check the backseat before locking the car to ensure no one is left behind. Educate others about the risks, particularly caregivers and parents. Immediately alert authorities if you witness a child or pet alone in a boiling car.
The dangers of high car temperatures on summer days cannot be overstated. We must prioritize awareness and action to prevent the loss of precious lives. Remember, it takes only minutes for the inside of a car to become life-threateningly hot. Let us commit to being vigilant, responsible, and empathetic toward the vulnerable individuals who depend on us. Together, we can create safer environments and protect those who cannot protect themselves from the invisible threat lurking inside parked vehicles on scorching summer days.
Conclusion
If your car has been giving you problems lately due to the weather, do not hesitate to contact Zeus - Cash For Junk Cars to sell your car. Our company is willing to purchase any car "As-Is," no matter its condition or damage, as long as the vehicle is within a 50-mile radius of our junkyard, which is located in Houston, TX.
If you are interested in getting rid of the auto, we offer free pickup towing services, and you will receive an instant cash payment in person the same day!
Please call or text us at 832-516-3533 for more information or a free non-obligated quote. You can also reach us through email at info@sellmyusedvehicle.com or by filling out our online contact form.
