Even though the warm weather hasn’t heated up yet, it’s time to think about keeping cool in your car.
If that seems premature, think about the last time you drove by a disabled auto in the dead of summer heat. Chances are good that if engine overheating caused it, the fix would have cost about $15 to replace a hose to the radiator system. Compare that with the $1,500 to $3,000cost of repairing an overheated engine with a blown head gasket, and the reason for urgency is clear.
Consider these preventative maintenance tips from approved automotive repair specialists Ed Kriston and Jeffrey Boone from the Towson office of AAA Mid-Atlantic, headquartered in Wilmington, Del.
» Open your hood and look at the hoses. Sounds like a no-brainer, but few people do that.
If you see cracks, strings or other wear and tear, take your car to an approved automotive repair center for service.
» When the car is cold, feel the hoses. If they feel “mushy,” akin to a flat bicycle tire, it’s likely time
for replacements.
Also, if a hose bulges or feels brittle, immediate attention is needed.
» Invest in a splice kit. They have simple plastic fittings that can be used for temporary fixes. Remember, these are for emergency fixes only.
The hose must still be replaced or it will quickly deteriorate and cause another breakdown.
» Use tap water as an emergency fix for an overheated engine. Once the car is drivable, take it for a fluid flush, or the engine may be damaged.
» Have the coolant checked regularly. If rust is seen, it can damage the cooling system. Always have the coolant changed by a professional.
Not only can using non-approved substitute coolants damage the car, but improperly disposing of coolants can leave the car owner liable for hundreds to thousands of dollars in fines.
