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                         June 22, 2001

Summer Safety Issues: Part 1--Vehicle Safety

Keeping vehicles in best condition helps ensure safety on summer trips

Compiled by Valerie VanKleeck
Assistant Editor

The heat, dust and stop-and-go traffic of summer can take their toll on your vehicle. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure with periodic maintenance which will help your vehicle last longer, retain a higher resale value and ensure you survive summer trips without physical or financial harm.

Some of the following tips are easy to do; others will require a trip to a mechanic.

n Cooling system. Overheating is the most common cause of summer breakdowns. It is recommended that you completely flush and refill the cooling system every two years. Periodically, check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant. A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water is usually recommended. Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled.

n Air conditioning. A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician.

n Hoses and belts. Radiator hoses should be checked for cracks, leaks and wear. So should the belts. Replace any that are faulty.

n Oil. Your owner’s manual can tell you the recommended time frame for changing the oil and filter, but if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with a lot of luggage or tow a trailer, it should be changed every 3,000 miles.

n Engine performance. Again, your owner’s manual will direct you on when to change air, fuel and other filters. Problems such as hard starting, rough idling, stalling, etc. should be taken care of by a mechanic.

n Windshield wipers. Dirty windshields can lead to eye fatigue and pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and keep your windshield washer tank filled.

n Lights. Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned-out ones. Periodically, clean the dirt and insects from all the lenses. To prevent scratching, use a soft, dry cloth.

n Tires. Check all tires, including the spare, for pressure, tread life and uneven wearing at least once a month. Check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. If you have uneven tread wear or your car pulls to one side, you need an alignment. Rotate tires about every 5,000 miles.

n Brakes. Brake problems should be corrected promptly. If you notice pulsations, grabbing noises or longer stopping distances, they should be checked.

n Battery. Fluid levels should be checked monthly. Routinely, scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections, clean all the surfaces and retighten the connections. Wear proper eye and skin protection while servicing or cleaning a battery.

Editor’s Note: The information contained in this article and sidebar was extracted from the June 2001 Army publication Countermeasure.

Driving tips to arrive alive

According to statistics compiled by the Army Safety Center, the two leading causes of POV accidents were fatigue and excessive speed. Countermeasures for both are listed.

Fatigue:
r Get sufficient sleep prior to a long drive.

r Limit your driving between midnight and 6 a.m.

r Plan for rest stops.

r Stop driving when you are tired.

r Take a break for a short nap.

r Don’t rely on caffeine to get you to your destination.

Speed:
r Slow down.

r Use your seatbelt.

r When driving a motorcycle, wear all required safety equipment.