Louisiana Heatwaves Can Wreak Havoc on Your Car

LOUISIANA - With Louisiana and Acadiana under constant excessive heat alerts over the past couple of weeks, the scorching hot temperatures have had a big impact on our day-to-day lives. And, it doesn't look like we're going to get any breaks in the heat any time soon...at least not soon enough.

Excessive heat can affect many things like blood pressure, decision making, and obviously hydration levels. The high temperatures also wreak havoc on roads and electrical grids, causing roads to buckle and power outages.

But, what about our vehicles?

The extreme heat can absolutely affect our cars and trucks in ways none of us want, so what are some things we need to be paying attention to when it comes to our vehicles in this heat wave?

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When the temperature climbs into the upper 90s and the heat index pushes well past 100 degrees, most of us are thinking about staying somewhere with air conditioning. But there's another thing dealing with all that heat: your vehicle.

Your car, truck or SUV has to deal with scorching pavement, high temperatures under the hood and an air conditioner that may be running nearly nonstop.

Extreme heat doesn't necessarily mean your vehicle is going to break down, but it can put additional stress on several important components. And if something was already worn out, a Louisiana heat wave can sometimes be the thing that pushes it over the edge.

Here are some of the biggest ways extreme temperatures can affect your vehicle.

Extreme Heat Affects Cars — Unsplash Via Kate Ibragimova

1. Your Car Battery Can Take A Beating

One of the biggest surprises about summer car problems is that extreme heat can be particularly hard on automotive batteries.

Most people associate dead batteries with cold weather, but high temperatures can accelerate the chemical processes inside a battery and contribute to deterioration.

Heat can also cause battery fluid to evaporate more quickly, which can contribute to corrosion and shorten battery life. AAA notes that heat and vibration can work together to accelerate battery damage.

That means a battery that has been getting a little weak might suddenly leave you stuck in a Lafayette, Baton Rouge or Lake Charles parking lot on one of the hottest days of the year.

2. Your Tires Have To Deal With Incredibly Hot Pavement

It's been so hot recently I've honestly been expecting to see my tires melting on the pavement at some point. Thankfully, that hasn't happened.

When you're driving around in extreme heat, the pavement can become dramatically hotter than the air temperature. That heat gets transferred directly into your tires.

High temperatures combined with underinflated, damaged or heavily worn tires can increase the chances of tire trouble.

NHTSA warns that sustained high temperatures can cause tires to deteriorate and potentially contribute to blowouts or tread separation.

That's one reason checking your tires before hitting I-10 for a road trip isn't something to skip.

3. Extreme Heat Causes You Vehicle's Fluids To Thin Out

Motor oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid and other fluids all play important roles in keeping your vehicle operating properly. When temperatures reach the upper 90s, the heat begins to cause your vehicle's oil, transmission fluid, and more to thin out.

Extreme heat puts additional stress on your vehicle, making it even more important to keep those fluids at the appropriate levels and follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

4. Belts And Hoses Can Deteriorate Faster

Your vehicle's belts and hoses are made of rubber, and under 98 degree temperatures, rubber can begin to become brittle causing them crack or break.

It's worth having them looked at if you're already getting an oil change or having other maintenance done.

There are other impacts on your vehicle from extreme heat, such as your AC working harder and your car's interior taking a serious beating. Keep a sharp eye on your warning lights, try to park your vehicle in shady areas when you can, and hopefully you'll make it to cooler temperatures with no issues.

9 Louisiana School Field Trips Acadiana Still Remembers

For a lot of us who grew up in Acadiana, there was one day on the school calendar that always stood out...the annual field trip.

It didn't matter if you were headed to a museum, a nature trail, or...anywhere at all really. Climbing onto a school bus with your friends meant you were in for an adventure, and those memories have a way of sticking with you.

We asked you on Facebook to share the school field trips you remember most, and the responses were packed with nostalgia. Some places are still welcoming students today, while other places are sadly no longer in operation.

One destination, however, caught nearly everyone by surprise.

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott

Source: Louisiana Heatwaves Can Wreak Havoc on Your Car – Here’s How