Many vehicle malfunctions that do not show themselves in cold weather can be detected under the scorching sun and cause serious technical malfunctions.
In hot weather, the cooling system works with an increased load, and in the event of a breakdown, the engine is likely to overheat, which can “doom” the engine to a major overhaul. To prevent the development of such phenomena, it is necessary to pay more attention to the engine temperature indicators and if the operating temperature is exceeded, stop and let the engine cool. It should also be taken into account that the coolant is subject to evaporation and in hot weather the level must be checked more often and, if necessary, topped up.
Overheating, in turn, leads to various malfunctions of the cooling system.
A malfunctioning thermostat or a radiator surface clogged with dirt and poplar fluff can present itself in hot weather. They increase the likelihood of “boiling” and leaks in the pipes: the cooling system is designed to operate under high pressure, and in the event of a leak, the antifreeze will boil at a lower temperature.
A malfunctioning climate system is also likely to manifest itself when the temperature rises – checking the air conditioner and, if necessary, flushing its radiators should be done before the onset of the warm season, so as not to suddenly get into a hot car. .
If the air conditioner is working properly, you should not abuse its features.
In a sun-heated car, it is tempting to immediately turn it on at full power, but it should be remembered that a strong flow of cold air directed at the windshield can lead to cracks in it due to a sharp temperature drop.
The scorching heat can also affect the condition of the paint and interior plastics. In addition, the interior lining can release harmful substances into the interior of the cabin when heated, so before a trip after a long stay in the sun, it is better to ventilate the interior by opening all the doors for a few minutes. minute.
Untimely replacement of brake fluid can also have serious consequences in hot weather.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: over time, water accumulates in it, which can boil at high temperatures and form vapor locks in the brake line, causing reduced brake performance and failure.
Also, in hot weather, it is not recommended to fill the car “into the eyeballs”: it expands in a confined space, fuel can leak from under the cork and spill. In this case, it is hoped that there will be no carelessly tossed cigarette butts nearby or an accidental spark that could cause a fire.
The battery is also damaged by heat, where capacity drops at extreme temperatures. At the same time, the electrical system of the car works with increased load: the fan turns on often, the air conditioner works at full capacity. In such a case, the serviceability of the electrical cables and the presence of reliable contact in the connections are important.
In case of frequent blowouts of fuses or lamps in the vehicle, it is time to be careful and perform detailed diagnosis,
because electrical faults often lead to fires. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Emergencies, 51% of machine fires are caused by violations of operating rules, design defects in machines and malfunctions of systems and mechanisms. Another 11% of fires are due to incorrect installation of additional equipment.
If a fire occurs and you have to use a fire extinguisher, do not rush to open the hood: an abundant supply of air will only exacerbate the fire. It is necessary to raise the lid 10-15 cm, put on gloves and extinguish the fire with short volleys.
When leaving the road, you should also ensure that hay and other combustible materials are not near hot surfaces – there have been cases where grass straws in the muffler or sump have caused a car to catch fire.
Source: Gazeta
