General Knowledge: Hot Weather

4 questions in the bank cover this topic. Everything below is drawn from the sources those questions cite.

Sources: TC 21-305-20 para 16-21

What you need to know

Heat is the enemy of both.

Coolant temperature tells you the engine is losing the battle, and oil pressure falls as hot oil thins, which is the first sign of trouble you can still act on.

Check engine temperature and oil pressure frequently.

TC 21-305-20 para 16-21

The fan belt usually drives the water pump as well as the fan, so losing it stops coolant circulating and airflow at once.

It is the cheapest and most common cause of overheating.

Check for a loose or broken fan belt if overheating occurs. Correct as necessary.

TC 21-305-20 para 16-21

A missing cap lets grit into the valve and the tire loses pressure slowly.

That matters most in heat, because an under-inflated tire flexes more, runs hotter still, and 4-19 of the same manual says under-inflation can make a tire ignite. That holds pressure, so under-inflation does not develop unnoticed.

Keep valve caps on all tires.

TC 21-305-20 para 16-21

A belt that is slack or broken stops the fan and the water pump, which is the common cause and the one you can see from the ground.

Check for a loose or broken fan belt if overheating occurs.

TC 21-305-20 para 16-21

Check yourself

• What two gauges need frequent attention in hot conditions?

• How do you respond when the engine starts overheating?

• What is the purpose of valve caps on your tires?

• Your engine starts to overheat. What does the manual send you to look at?

Answers are in the practice test for this topic.