EXCESSIVE HEAT EXPECTED TO BURDENBATTERIES,TESTTIRES

AAA Offers Tips for Avoiding Car Troubles

Highlights:

• AAA Oklahoma is expecting a sharp rise in call volume the remainder of the week with temperatures nearing 100. Car batteries will be tested by the extreme heat and there will likely be an increase in tire troubles as well.

   

• The auto clubis reminding motorists tohave a fully charged cellphone and a roadside rescue plan, and offers four tips to avoidheat-related car troubles.

   

• Last July, AAA Oklahoma rescued 20,745 members with car issues. Some 3,300 of those were for dead batteries.

June 27, 2018 – AAA Oklahoma is expecting a sharp rise in call volume today with the rise in temperatures. For the first time this season, car batteries will be tested by the extreme heat and there will likely be an increase in tire troubles as well.

“Today’s high temperatures will bring a wave of calls from motorists whose batteries fail,” says Leslie Gamble, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Oklahoma. “And, in this heat, drivers and their passengers will be vulnerable as well so it is critical that everyone prepare accordingly.”

AAA Oklahoma offers these TIPS to avoid heat-related car troubles:

1. Get your battery tested and, if necessary, replace it BEFORE it dies

Most batteries last 3-5 years and each day of extreme weather pushes a battery closer to its end.

AAA members can request a AAA Roadside Service technician to come to them and test their battery free of charge. Should the battery need replacement, the technician can usually replace it on location.

2. Make sure tires are properly inflated

Driving on under-inflated tires can cause tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout. This problem becomes even more of a concern when road temperatures are extremely high.

Tires should be checked when the car has not been driven recently, and they should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer – not the number molded into the tire sidewall.

Recommended tire pressures can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker normally located on the driver’s door jamb or the inside of the glove compartment door. Some vehicles use different pressures for the front and rear tires.

While checking the tire pressures - including the spare - drivers also should inspect the tire treads for adequate depth and any signs of uneven wear that might indicate a suspension or alignment problem.

3. Check all fluids.

When fluid levels are low, the possibility of overheating increases. Drivers should check all vehicle fluids including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels.

If any fluids need to be topped off, be sure to use the type of fluid specified in the owner’s manual.

4. Stock a summer emergency kit.

Even with proper preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still occur, so AAA recommends every driver have a fully charged cellphone on hand so they can call for help when needed and also keep a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle to ensure everyone’s safety while they’re waiting for help to arrive.

The emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit.

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 58million members nationwide and more than 400,000 members in Oklahoma.AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.For more information, visitwww.AAA.com.

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