Jul. 30--There's a reason many of the world's automakers do their hot weather torture testing in Arizona: Our summers are hell on cars.

Butch Finkbeiner, a Ford proving ground engineer, could go into explanations about the physics of heat-induced machine failures that would cross your eyes, but he saw a glaring real-life example of what drives automakers to test in Arizona on his way to work Wednesday.

"There was a motorhome on (U.S.) 60 that burned down to the ground; it was probably heat-related. Those are real-life things you see," said Finkbeiner. That's "the reason that we test here and everybody tests out here," said Finkbeiner, garage supervisor at Ford's Arizona Proving Ground in Wittman, on U.S. 60 northwest of Phoenix.

"Most people try to avoid the heat; we're looking for the places to subject our vehicles to the most severe conditions," said Said Deep, a Ford spokesman in Dearborn, Mich., familiar with the proving ground.

There's a message in that anecdote for Arizona motorists.

The Arizona dry-heat wisdom that says "anything over 100 degrees is all the same" isn't true, especially to an auto air conditioner, said Pat Peters, owner of Pat's Auto Repair, 3530 N. Oracle Road.

Peters, who does general automotive repair, said 80 percent of his work right now is air-conditioning service and repair.

"When it stays hot this long, stuff is going to break," said Peters, with a full garage and two mechanics short.

The heat wave has pushed some air conditioners that were in need of service -- or owners who were trying to get by without AC this season -- over the edge, said Bob Belman, owner of Arizona Auto Refrigeration, with shops at 130 S. Swan Road and 1046 E. Broadway.

"Very simply, when the ambient temperature goes up, the pressure within the air-conditioning system on a vehicle goes up geometrically, not linearly. The net effect is when we start getting temperatures like we have now, over 100 degrees, it makes a huge difference in failures," said Belman. Pay now -- or later

Belman said there are two reasons to service an air conditioner that is weak but hasn't yet quit completely.

Most pressing, he said, is that running an air conditioner that isn't working well can lead to a much more expensive repairs later. He said air conditioners that need service work harder than those functioning properly. And, if the problems include a low refrigerant level -- and a consequently low lubricant level -- it could damage the compressor, the most expensive part of the system.

He said modern auto air-conditioning compressors don't have a lubricant reservoir -- the lubricant is in the refrigerant. "So, when the system is low on refrigerant, it's not getting lubricated.

"When you leak refrigerant, you typically leak oil," he said.

Belman said AC repairs vary widely depending on the vehicle, "but a basic compressor job can run anywhere from $650 to $2,000 on some vehicles." Radiators fail in heat, too

Peters said heat can push many other automotive components over the edge, too.

"We're fighting it on a daily basis. Radiators are blowing their tops," said Peters, explaining an increase in business aside from the AC work during what has otherwise been a slow business year.

Cooling fans -- electric-powered on most late model cars -- are the leading failure in hot weather, Peters said. And that can quickly lead to a blown radiator.

"Most people do shut their cars off before they blow them up. That plastic radiator is going to blow out first. ... As long as people are watching their gauges, and they're accurate," they should be OK, he said.

"We just had a Saturn in here -- the guy was complaining about his car overheating and his air conditioning wasn't working. His cooling fan went."

Another car awaiting Peters' attention has water in the crankcase, likely the result of a blown head gasket caused by overheating. That can get expensive, and sometimes can be prevented by keeping an eye on the temperature gauge and pulling over and turning the engine off before it overheats.

Read your owner's manual, says Ford spokesman Deep, who notes that a vehicle that seems to be malfunctioning in hot weather may not be breaking down.

He said some Fords, particularly pickups set up for towing, may go into a reduced power mode when they're towing heavy loads in hot weather.

avoiding hot-weather breakdowns

Hot weather isn't just tough on cooling and auto air-conditioning systems. Besides cooling fans, radiators and the AC system, heat is also particularly hard on batteries, brakes, transmissions and tires.

Here are some maintenance tips from ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

--Owner's manual -- Read it; follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.

--Air conditioning -- A marginally operating system may fail in hot weather.

--Cooling system -- The system should be completely flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

--Oil -- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual -- more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.

--Tires -- Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts.

--Transmission -- Prevent major repairs by servicing periodically.

--Brakes -- Inspect as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Even minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.

--Battery -- Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. For routine care, scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly.

Two cautions: Removing cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles (check your manual). And avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid by wearing eye protection and rubber gloves.

Contact reporter Dan Sorenson at 573-4185 or dsorenson@azstarnet.com.

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Copyright (c) 2009, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson

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