5 tips to prevent your car from overheating in extreme heat

TOWSON, MD - Extreme temperatures can be brutal on your car if it's not taken care of properly.  All that stop and go driving in traffic congestion under a blistering summer sun with temperatures hovering around 100 is a sure fire recipe for overheated engines.

Under normal driving conditions your car engine's core temperature can range between 200 - 250 degrees fahrenheit.  The temperature can spike to twice that level or higher if the engine overheats.

Ed Kriston with AAA Mid-Atlantic has seen the problems first hand.

"Lots of people being towed in with cooling system problems overheats for a couple of different reasons.  I was towed in three weeks ago for water pump failure on this vehicle that I used for work everyday," said Kriston.

Ed offers five tips for drivers to keep your car running in extreme heat.

First, check the coolant level in the overflow tank and top it off with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze, coolant and water.

Second, If the radiator is not completely full, have the cooling system checked by a professional.

Third, Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot to prevent scalding.

Fourth, Check all fluid levels, engine oil, power steering, brake and windshield wiper.

And Finally, have your brakes, battery, shocks , filters and pump inspected by a qualified auto technician.

"If your car is going to break down, its going to happen at the worst time that it could possibly happen so checking the car out and making sure everything is okay is going to ensure that you will have as little chance of breaking down as possible," said Kriston.

These tips can ensure safe travels on the road.