HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-04-14, Page 15THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2011. PAGE 15.
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Continued from page 14
air filter can both rob power that’s
needed to handle the additional
strain of towing, but also seriously
reduce fuel economy.
When you are travelling you may
be forced to refuel at rather
dubious places, so a fresh fuel
filter will keep any dirt
from affecting your fuel injection
system.
Even lubrication of minor moving
parts pays dividends.
Under-lubricated and sticky
release mechanisms have been
known to allow hoods to fly open at
highway speeds.
And don’t forget the trailer
or camper needs maintenance as
well.
Good advice before setting out on
the season’s first trip is to hook up
and check and lubricate all the
connections.
Then ensure all the running, brake
and signal lights are working, and
look over the wiring harness for
loose connections or dragging
wires.
Electrical connectors should be
treated against corrosion.
Give the trailer’s frame a visual
once-over, looking for
cracks, particularly around
suspension mounting points and
welds.
Keeping the trailer clean and
painted will help when it comes to
spotting problems.
A pre-trip inspection should
include making sure the hitch is
solidly attached with fasteners
correctly torqued and all fittings
properly adjusted
Clean filter gives power to tow
Men at work
Oil changes and fluid replacements are two key ways to ensure that an engine doesn’t
overheat during that long overdue roadtrip leading up to a summer vacation. Certified auto
mechanics can insure that your engine will stay cool during warm weather. (MS photo)
Overheated engines can cut road trips short
MS –It is a common sight many
an automobile owner is all to
familiar with: A car is stranded on
the side of the road with the hood
open and smoke billowing out as an
exasperated driver looks on shaking
his or her head.
An overheated engine can render a
car useless in a matter of minutes. A
vehicle is propelled by an engine
that ignites gasoline and causes
controlled explosions within. An
engine can produce quite a lot of
heat. Compound this with external
temperatures and an overheated
engine may occur. Other mechanical
factors can also cause an engine to
overheat. These include a faulty
thermostat to regulate coolant supply
to the engine and even an inoperable
radiator fan.
Experts say an average car engine
is designed to operate within 90ºC to
104ºC. Anything above that could
cause engine failure. Overheating
can cause a lot of damage to a car. It
may damage and burn holes in the
parts. Rings, pistons or rod bearings
may become impaired, or one can
blow a head gasket. Coolant is
designed to protect an engine to a
point, but it can also become
compromised under high heat.
Boiling coolant may cause the
radiator and hoses to burst.
The best way to avoid engine and
vehicle trouble due to overheating is
to prevent an engine from
becoming overheated in the first
place.
Here are strategies to employ:
• Ensure that coolant levels are
maintained and there are no leaks
that would cause coolant to drip out.
Be sure the right coolant is being
used for the particular vehicle.
• Dirty, inadequate motor oil
cannot dissipate heat as well as clean
oil. Check the oil level and viscosity.
Change the oil before a long trip or if
it looks past its prime.
• Confirm radiator hoses are in
good working order and do not look
worn out.
• Have a mechanic check that a
radiator fan is working and that there
is adequate air flow through the
radiator.
• Be aware of engine tempera-
ture by watching the gauge
on the dashboard.
If an engine seems like it’s about
to overheat, here are some steps to
take:
• Slow down, and pull into the
right lane. Turn on the heat in the car
and open the windows. This may
draw heat out of the engine block,
while maintaining a slow pace
can continue to draw air over the
engine.
• Pull over and open the hood to
allow the engine to cool.
• Top off the radiator with coolant.
Water can also work in a pinch.
• Take frequent breaks during long
road trips to allow the engine to cool
down for at least 15 minutes.
• Be sure to clear the radiator from
obstructions, including leaves or
insects that may have collected.
Men and women without auto
maintenance experience should
not touch anything under the
hood.
Consult with a mechanic to
determine engine overheating
causes.
Protect Your Truck
EZ Liner Spray-In Bed Liner
14 Orchard Lane, Brussels
- permanent bond resists corrosion
from water, salt and chemicals
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doesn’t slide around