According to the forecast, in the coming days, the temperature during the day will reach 30. About what car malfunctions appear in the heat and what serious consequences they can lead to.
Many car malfunctions that did not manifest themselves in cool weather can be detected under the scorching sun and lead to serious technical breakdowns.The cooling system in hot weather works with increased load, and in the event of a malfunction, the engine is likely to overheat, which, in turn, can “sentence” the engine to a major overhaul. In order to prevent such a development of events, 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 down. It must also be taken into account that the coolant is subject to evaporation, and in hot weather it is necessary to check its level more often and top up if necessary.
Overheating, in turn, leads to various malfunctions of the cooling system.
An incorrectly functioning thermostat or a radiator surface clogged with dirt and poplar fluff is likely to manifest itself in hot weather. They increase the likelihood of “boiling” and leaks in the pipes: the cooling system is designed to work under high pressure, and in the event of a leak, the antifreeze will boil at a lower temperature.
A faulty climate system is also likely to manifest itself when the temperature rises – checking the air conditioner and, if necessary, flushing its radiators should be carried out before the onset of the warm season, so as not to suddenly end up in a hot car.
If the air conditioner is working properly, you should not abuse its capabilities.
In a car warmed up in the sun, it is tempting to immediately turn it on at full power, but it should be remembered that a powerful stream of cold air directed at the windshield can lead to cracks on it due to a sharp temperature drop.
Scorching heat can also affect the condition of the paintwork and interior plastics. Moreover, the interior trim, when heated, is capable of releasing harmful substances into the enclosed space of the cabin , so before a trip after a long stay under the sun, it is better to ventilate the interior by opening all the doors for a few minutes.
Untimely replacement of the brake fluid can also lead to 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 , which can lead to reduced brake performance and failure.
- Also, in hot weather, it is not recommended to fill the car “to the eyeballs”: expanding in a confined space, the fuel can leak out from under the cork and spill. In this case, it remains to be hoped that there will not be a carelessly thrown cigarette butt nearby or there will not be an accidental spark that can lead to a fire.
- The battery also suffers from heat, in which the capacity decreases at extreme temperatures. At the same time, the electrical system of the car works with increased load: the fan often turns on, the air conditioner works at full capacity. In such a situation, the serviceability of the electrical wiring and the presence of reliable contact in the connections are important.
- In the event that fuses or lamps often blow in the car , it ‘s time to be alert and conduct detailed diagnostics, since electrical equipment malfunctions often lead to a fire. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 51% of machine fires are due to violations of the rules of operation, design flaws in machines and malfunctions of their systems and mechanisms. Another 11% of fires occur due to improper installation of additional equipment.
- If a fire does occur and you need to use a fire extinguisher, do not rush to open the hood: a plentiful supply of air will only aggravate the fire. It is necessary to lift the lid by 10-15 cm, and be sure to wear gloves, and extinguish the fire in short bursts.
- When leaving the road, you should also ensure that dry grass and other flammable materials do not end up near hot surfaces – there have been cases when grass stalks on the muffler or crankcase caused a car to catch fire.
