Keep Cool In The Summer Heat

June 21, 2006

With record high temperatures, you'll want to keep nice and cool in your vehicle throughout the summer months. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind regarding your air conditioning system.

• Switch on the air conditioning for a few minutes each month (even in the winter). This will prevent a build-up of corrosion and keep the system lubricated.
  
  
• Have your air conditioning system inspected every few years. It's easier and less expensive to prevent an air conditioning related problem than to fix one.
  
  
• A/C can increase fuel consumption by up to 4 miles per gallon.
  
  
• If you're towing a load or merging onto a busy street, switch off the air conditioning. On some vehicles the air conditioning system can use up to 10 horsepower.

• Summer is a very difficult time for your vehicle's battery. Excessive heat can cause the battery fluid to evaporate. This will lead to battery failure.
  
  
• Excessive heat can reduce battery life at a greater rate than extreme cold weather.
  
  
• Overcharging is as bad for your battery as undercharging. Overcharging can occur when the charging system malfunctions.
  
  
• Batteries have two main ratings: Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Reserve Capacity (RC). When replacing your battery make sure you buy a battery with a least the same CCA and RC ratings as the original battery. The ratings can be found in your owners manual and/or on the side of the battery.

• Keep your engine well maintained. A well tuned engine is easier to start and drains less power from the battery.
  
  
• If your concerned about the 'health' of your battery have a battery load test performed. This will help to determine if you need to get a new battery. It's better to find out before it's too late.
  
  
• Make sure the battery terminals are clean. Excessive dirt and corrosion will reduce the effectiveness of the battery.
  
  
• To clean dirt or corrosion on or around the battery, use an old toothbrush or bistle brush. Dip the brush in a solution of baking soda and water. Always remember to wear safety goggles and gloves.
  
  
• Check the water level every couple of months. It should be just touching the bottom of the refill hole. Refill the battery, when needed, with distilled water. Don't use tap water, which produces corrosion on the terminals.
  
  
• Compare warranties when buying a battery. Most warranties are prorated so it may be cheaper to buy a new battery on sale instead of paying the difference under a prorated warranty.

• Hyundai has moved into 6th place in terms of global auto sales. The top five manufacturers in terms of world wide sales are General Motors, Toyota Motor Corp., Ford Motor Co., Volkswagen AG, and DaimlerChrysler AG. Hyundai has made it clear it wants to be in the top five within the next few years.
  
  
• According to a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), electronic stability control can prevent nearly one-third of all fatal crashes and reduce the risk of a rollover by up to 80 per cent.
  
  
• The Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala achieved top ratings in side impact crash tests conducted by the IIHS.
  
  
• The Audi R10 has become the first diesel powered race car to win the Le Mans 24 hour race.
  
  
• GM's Oshawa, Ontario plant has been awarded the top quality award by J.D. Power and Associates. The plant produces the Buick LaCrosse (aka Allure in Canada) and the Pontiac Grand Prix.
  
  
• Global sales of the Toyota Prius top 500,000 units.
  
  
• As of June 1st, Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel Fuel (ULSD) regulations have taken effect in the United States.
  
  
• May was the best ever month in terms of hybrid sales in the United States with 23,554 hybrid vehicles sold. Toyota accounted for over 37% of hybrids sold.

• Test yourself with our challenging automotive trivia.
  
  
• Summer road trip tips.
  
  
• Article of Interest - Global auto sales race heats up.

Peter Johnson
http://www.all-about-car-selection.com