As scorching triple-digit temperatures are expected to grip parts of Texas this week, AAA Texas is urging drivers to prepare their vehicles and take extra precautions. Extreme heat not only poses health risks—it can also push vehicles beyond their limits, increasing the risk of breakdowns and roadside emergencies.
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Roadside Emergencies
The top three vehicle issues that could derail a summer road trip are dead batteries, engine trouble and flat tires. Long road trips coupled with hot weather places additional strain on vehicles, and in some cases, can make a minor vehicle problem worse.
“The extreme heat we experience in Texas can cause significant damage to a vehicle over time, which leads to thousands of stranded drivers each year on Lone Star State roadways,” said Doug Shupe, AAA Texas Corporate Communications Manager. “Visiting a trusted mechanic for a thorough vehicle inspection can help reduce the chance of a breakdown.”
AAA Texas Offers Tips to Prevent a Breakdown
- Battery
Extreme heat and vibration can shorten a battery’s lifespan. Make sure the battery is securely mounted, clean of corrosion, and has tightly fastened cable clamps. Batteries over three years old should be tested by a professional. - Engine Cooling System
Overheating is a common cause of summer breakdowns. Check coolant levels regularly and top off with a 50/50 mix of water and manufacturer-recommended coolant. Inspect hoses and belts for cracks or wear. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. - Tires
Proper tire care is essential for safety and fuel efficiency. Check pressure at least once a month, inspect tread depth with a quarter (replace if you see the top of Washington’s head), and replace tires older than six years. - Emergency Kit
Despite best efforts, breakdowns can still happen. Keep an emergency kit in your car with water, snacks, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, tools, and a first aid kit.
AAA Texas Offers Safety Tips If You Experience Car Trouble
Breakdowns can be dangerous, especially on busy roads. On average, crashes involving disabled vehicles kill 566 people and injure more than 14,000 each year.. To prevent tragedies at the roadside, AAA Texas recommends drivers who experience automobile trouble to:
- Know your location: Identify nearby exits, mile markers, or landmarks to help responders find you.
- Assess the issue: If you notice warning signs like smoke or odd noises, stay calm, signal, and carefully pull off the road.
- Pull over safely: Use the far-right shoulder or left if necessary, on divided highways. Stay as far away from traffic as possible.
- If you can’t move the car: Turn on hazard lights and get to a safe location away from the road. Do not try to push the car.
- Make your vehicle visible: Use flashers, raise the hood, and place warning triangles outside the vehicle. Never use flares if there’s a fuel leak.
- Communicate: Call for help once you're in a safe place. Describe your location and situation clearly.
- Stay with your vehicle: Unless it’s unsafe, remain inside with doors locked and windows mostly closed. If help is offered by a stranger, stay cautious and ask them to call roadside assistance.
- When help arrives: Confirm the roadside assistance provider’s ID, stay calm, and understand what your service plan covers. Always get a receipt.
Finally, never leave a child, elderly person or pet alone in an unattended vehicle — even for a few minutes. Inside temperatures can skyrocket to deadly levels in just 10 minutes, posing severe risks of heatstroke, especially for children, whose bodies heat up much faster than adults. Pets are also vulnerable, as they cannot cool themselves effectively in confined spaces.
To locate a AAA approved repair shop, visit AAA.com/Repair. AAA Texas branch offices throughout the state can be found by visiting www.AAA.com. Find additional news from AAA Texas in our online newsroom at http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/.