The Commercial Drivers License
DRIVING IN VERY HOT WEATHER
Vehicle Checks Do a normal pre-trip inspection but pay special
attention to the following items:
• Tires. Check the tire mounting and air pressure. Inspect the
tires every two hours or every 100 miles when driving in very hot
weather. Air pressure increases with temperature.
Do not let air out or the pressure will be too low when the tires
cool off. If a tire is too hot to touch, remain stopped until
the tire cools off. Otherwise the tire may blow out or catch fire.
Pay special attention to recapped or retreaded tires. Under high
temperatures the tread may separate from the body of the tire.
• Engine Oil. The engine oil helps keep the engine cool, as well
as lubricating it. Make sure there is enough engine oil. If you
have an oil temperature gauge, make sure the temperature is within
the proper range while you are driving.
• Engine Coolant. Before starting out, make sure the engine cooling
system has enough water and antifreeze according to the engine manufacturer’s
directions. (Antifreeze helps the engine under hot conditions as
well as cold conditions.) When driving, check the water temperature
or coolant temperature gauge from time to time. Make sure that it
remains in the normal range. If the gauge goes above the highest
safe temperature, there may be something wrong that could lead to
engine failure and possibly fire. Stop driving as soon as safely
possible and try to find out what is wrong. Some vehicles have sight
glasses or see-through coolant overflow containers or coolant recovery
containers. These permit you to check the coolant level while the
engine is hot. If the container is not part of the pressurized system,
the cap can be safely removed and coolant added even when the engine
is at operating temperature. Never remove
the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the
system has cooled. Steam and boiling water can spray under
pressure and cause severe burns. If you can touch the radiator cap
with your bare hand, it is probably cool enough to open. If coolant
has to be added to a system without a recovery tank or overflow
tank, follow these steps: - Shut engine off. - Wait until engine
has cooled. - Protect hands (use gloves or a thick cloth). - Turn
radiator cap slowly to the first stop, which releases the pressure
seal. - Step back while pressure is released from cooling system.
- When all pressure has been released, press down on the cap and
turn it further to remove it. - Visually check level of coolant
and add more coolant if necessary. - Replace cap and turn all the
way to the closed position.
• Engine Belts. Learn how to check V-belt tightness on your vehicle
by pressing on the belts. Loose belts will not turn the water pump
and/or fan properly. This will result in overheating.Also check
belts for cracking, or other signs of wear. • Hoses. Make sure coolant
hoses are in good condition. A broken hose while driving can lead
to engine failure and even fire.
• Watch for Bleeding Tar. Tar in the road pavement frequently
rises to the surface in very hot weather. Spots where tar “bleeds”
to the surface are very slippery. Driving Go Slow Enough to Prevent
Overheating. High speeds create more heat for tires and the engine.
In desert conditions the heat may build up to the point where it
is dangerous. The heat will increase chances of tire failure, or
even fire, and engine failure.
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