AAA Texas Offers Advice to Help Motorists Weather the Heat.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 1, 1998--As Texas broils under a summer heat wave and heads into the July 4th weekend, AAA Texas reminds motorists that special precautions are needed to help ensure safe driving when temperatures soar. "Extreme heat is tough on a vehicle and can leave motorists stranded in dangerous situations," said Bill Noble, group manager of public and government affairs for AAA Texas. AAA Texas has experienced a 19% increase in emergency road service calls in June 1998 over this time last year due to this summer's early heat wave. "We're seeing a lot of calls for jump starts and for towing due to overheating. Careful preparation is the key to enduring the summer's hottest temperatures and avoiding an unfortunate situation."

To help motorists beat the summer heat, AAA Texas offers the following advice on preparing a vehicle:

-- Heat can be as tough on vehicle batteries as the coldest

winter weather. Batteries more than two years old should be checked by a qualified technician to make sure they have the starting power to handle the stress of extreme temperatures.

-- Motor oil plays an important role in keeping the engine cool, so

check oil level and condition. If driving under extreme conditions -- such as over mountains or towing a heavy trailer -- switch to a motor oil with higher viscosity. Check the owner's manual for specific oil recommendations.

-- Check the performance of the air conditioning system. If needed,

have it serviced by a qualified technician, using the refrigerant R-12 in older systems or R-134A in new or refurbished air conditioners. Do not use non-approved substitute refrigerants.

-- Inspect antifreeze/coolant level and condition, making certain

the proper 50/50 mixture of water and coolant is present.

-- If your car overheats, never attempt to remove the radiator cap 

until the engine has cooled. Coolant in the radiator is under pressure and can flash into steam, causing severe burns.

-- Other under-the-hood components such as belts and hoses also are

stressed by extreme heat and should be regularly inspected. Be sure the vehicle engine is turned off before inspecting these items. If you are not comfortable checking your own vehicle, a qualified auto service facility, "such as those shops recognized by AAA's Approved Auto Repair program," can conduct a thorough inspection.

Since even the best maintained vehicles can break down, AAA says motorists should equip their vehicles with emergency kits containing at least the following items: container of water, flashlight with extra batteries, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, jumper cables and a first-aid kit.

Temperatures inside of parked cars can quickly reach dangerous levels, AAA Texas offers the following additional advice:

-- Do not leave children or animals unattended in vehicle -- even for

a short period of time.

-- When parked, use a sun shield to cover the windshield to minimize

the heat buildup and to help protect the car's interior. Cover metal and plastic parts on seat belts and child safety seats to prevent burns.

-- Open the vehicle's doors and let the interior cool for a few

minutes before entering.

AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1905. Today, AAA Texas offers its members a full service travel agency, financial services, public safety programs, and auto-related services.

    CONTACT: AAA Texas, Houston
              Patrick O'Reilly, 800/765-0766 ext. 6520
              or
              Bill Noble, 800/765-0766 ext. 6225