Beat the heat: Maintenance and mobility on blazing days

 

A driving teacher at Guangjiao Driving School in Wuhan, Hubei province, has his own solution on Aug 1. [Shepherd C.Zhou / for China Daily]

 

New drivers adapt to challenges posed by the sweltering summer

Like many newly empowered car owners in China, Shanghai biotech worker Liang Yu has more options and mobility.

As temperatures remained stubbornly high at 40 C in the metropolis this summer, he drove his new Ford Focus to the mountains some 400 km away in neighboring Zhejiang province.

"It was so hot here almost every day. Window tinting hardly works. Then it rains heavily and it is miserable while driving," Liang said.

But his trip last week offered little relief.

Zhejiang was also suffering under a heat wave with temperatures just as high.

Not accustomed to such torrid weather, many Chinese vehicle owners are learning to face the challenges of maintenance and driving safety in blazing heat.

Local media reported three engine fires on Aug 2 in just an hour during the morning commute in Shanghai.

In July, expressway police in Ningbo of Zhejiang province received 1,823 emergency calls for burst tires, 45 percent more than normal months, local reports said.

Heat-related accidents were also reported in other areas including Chongqing, Hubei, Zhejiang and Hunan.

To guarantee a safe journey in high temperatures, experts warn that drivers should pay special attention to air conditioners, tires and brakes. They also suggest drivers thoroughly check their vehicles before summer arrives.

Qi Lixin, director of the service department at Beijing's largest Audi dealership, said scorching days bring more customers in for car maintenance.

Air conditioner, tire

The most common problems are found in the air conditioning system, he said. Malfunctions are often due to low refrigerant.

The temperature hits 40 C in Shanghai on Aug 6. [Lai Xinlin / for China Daily]

Drivers are reminded to also check if connections in the air conditioning system are intact and make sure there are no leaks because high temperatures accelerate the aging process.

As well, "at the end of spring, you need to find a professional dealership or vehicle maintenance center to clear tree fluff from the air conditioning unit. Do not just blow it away", Qi said.

Many car owners have learned the importance of checking the air conditioner as the hot days arrive.

Wang Qian is a young mother who works at a university in Central China's Hunan province. She bought a Skoda Fabia last summer and had air conditioning serviced last week.

She said the "air blows stronger than before".