cars in hot weather

[Ext User(Steve)]

Hi,

Just a query on how cars go when travelling in extreme heat?

I have a 2005 Suzuki grand vitara that I am planning on using to a trip to
central OZ around Xmas time. Areas I will be driving in could be atleast
40c - potentially more.

Passanger comfort aside (we don't mind heat) - how do cars generally operate
when the temp is that hot, and they are running for several hours of the
day.

Would welcome any input.

Steve

[Ext User(2ofdem)]

Most of the time in central australia you will be travelling at a
decent speed (not gridlock) so there will be good airflow through the
radiator and at highway speeds most cars are not under a great deal of
load. I would suggest making sure your cooling system is freshly
serviced though.

[Ext User(Albm&ctd)]

In article <44670dc2$0$25130$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>,
Stevey@hotmail.com says...
> Hi,
>
> Just a query on how cars go when travelling in extreme heat?
>
> I have a 2005 Suzuki grand vitara that I am planning on using to a trip to
> central OZ around Xmas time. Areas I will be driving in could be atleast
> 40c - potentially more.
>
> Passanger comfort aside (we don't mind heat) - how do cars generally operate
> when the temp is that hot, and they are running for several hours of the
> day.
>
> Would welcome any input.
>
> Steve
>
You're not exactly going to the surface of the sun are you.
Take plenty of beer. It's bloody expensive in the outback.

Al
--
I don't take sides.
It's more fun to insult everyone.
http://kwakakid.cjb.net/insult.html

[Ext User(Rainbow Warrior)]

"Steve" <Stevey@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:44670dc2$0$25130$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
> Hi,
>
> Just a query on how cars go when travelling in extreme heat?
>
> I have a 2005 Suzuki grand vitara that I am planning on using to a trip to
> central OZ around Xmas time. Areas I will be driving in could be atleast
> 40c - potentially more.
>
> Passanger comfort aside (we don't mind heat) - how do cars generally
> operate when the temp is that hot, and they are running for several hours
> of the day.
>
> Would welcome any input.
>
> Steve

Check/replace hoses & fan belts, have system flushed, hose bugs/mud out of
radiator. Carry spare water. Vapour lock could also occur.

[Ext User(JD)]

Steve wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Just a query on how cars go when travelling in extreme heat?
>
> I have a 2005 Suzuki grand vitara that I am planning on using to a trip to
> central OZ around Xmas time. Areas I will be driving in could be atleast
> 40c - potentially more.
>
> Passanger comfort aside (we don't mind heat) - how do cars generally
> operate when the temp is that hot, and they are running for several hours
> of the day.
>
> Would welcome any input.
>
> Steve

Conditions in Central Australia are not substantially different from
anywhere in inland Australia in summer, except the distances are a bit
longer. Expect temperatures to peak at around 45 a lot of the time, but it
usually (but not always) cools rapidly at night. Although in the past there
have been cars with inadequate cooling or a tendency to vapour lock, I do
not know of any currently that have such a reputation, at any rate when the
cooling system and engine tune are in good shape. But operating in these
conditions will rapidly show up problems such as a radiator stuffed with
insects or grass seeds, or a slipping fan belt.

But the biggest problem is likely to be tyres, particularly since in the NT
you are likely to be travelling faster than normal. Make sure they are in
good condition and keep a close eye on pressures, adding a few pounds in
this sort of heat is not a bad idea.

Another problem is that if you do need to do anything on your car during the
day, the metal will usually be too hot to touch with bare hands, so either
make sure you have gloves or be prepared to wait for night and cooler
conditions.

And always carry an adequate supply of water in case you get stuck -
survival time without water is measured in hours.

And as you probably know, Christmas is not a good time to be there, but I
assume you have good reasons for the timing. Have a good trip.
JD

[Ext User(Steve)]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I have travelled through the outback many times before, but usually in the
cooler months. This year the only time I'm going to get off work is around
xmas - and we are desperate to go back, so that is why the trip will be at
that time of year.

Thanks again

"JD" <jjd@spamlesstpgi.com.au> wrote in message
news:44671710@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> Steve wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> Just a query on how cars go when travelling in extreme heat?
>>
>> I have a 2005 Suzuki grand vitara that I am planning on using to a trip
>> to
>> central OZ around Xmas time. Areas I will be driving in could be atleast
>> 40c - potentially more.
>>
>> Passanger comfort aside (we don't mind heat) - how do cars generally
>> operate when the temp is that hot, and they are running for several hours
>> of the day.
>>
>> Would welcome any input.
>>
>> Steve
>
> Conditions in Central Australia are not substantially different from
> anywhere in inland Australia in summer, except the distances are a bit
> longer. Expect temperatures to peak at around 45 a lot of the time, but it
> usually (but not always) cools rapidly at night. Although in the past
> there
> have been cars with inadequate cooling or a tendency to vapour lock, I do
> not know of any currently that have such a reputation, at any rate when
> the
> cooling system and engine tune are in good shape. But operating in these
> conditions will rapidly show up problems such as a radiator stuffed with
> insects or grass seeds, or a slipping fan belt.
>
> But the biggest problem is likely to be tyres, particularly since in the
> NT
> you are likely to be travelling faster than normal. Make sure they are in
> good condition and keep a close eye on pressures, adding a few pounds in
> this sort of heat is not a bad idea.
>
> Another problem is that if you do need to do anything on your car during
> the
> day, the metal will usually be too hot to touch with bare hands, so either
> make sure you have gloves or be prepared to wait for night and cooler
> conditions.
>
> And always carry an adequate supply of water in case you get stuck -
> survival time without water is measured in hours.
>
> And as you probably know, Christmas is not a good time to be there, but I
> assume you have good reasons for the timing. Have a good trip.
> JD

[Ext User(gonesailing_gonefishing)]

Steve wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Just a query on how cars go when travelling in extreme heat?
>
> I have a 2005 Suzuki grand vitara that I am planning on using to a trip to
> central OZ around Xmas time. Areas I will be driving in could be atleast
> 40c - potentially more.
>
> Passanger comfort aside (we don't mind heat) - how do cars generally operate
> when the temp is that hot, and they are running for several hours of the
> day.
>
> Would welcome any input.
>
> Steve

40C is not extreme heat, unless you're from the mountains of Tasmania.
A 05 model vehicle in good nick and well maintained should not give any
problems apart from the usual flat tyres and possible animal impacts. I
live where it's often up higher than 45 in summer, I've never had any
heat related problems. If you travel to the centre, and you go bush,
ie, of the beaten track, don't try being a hero, if the local advice is
don't go, do as you're advised. It will be too late to turn back when
you're a rotting corpse. Make sure you have plenty of fresh drinking
water on board, and a litre bottle of spring water isn't enough. TAke
at least four litres for each body for a day out. Walking in the heat
will dehydrate you rapidly. Also take sme electrolyte replacement like
Staminade to help chase away muscle cramps.

[Ext User(Lindsay)]

"Steve" <Stevey@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:44670dc2$0$25130$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
> Hi,
>
> Just a query on how cars go when travelling in extreme heat?
>
> I have a 2005 Suzuki grand vitara that I am planning on using to a trip to
> central OZ around Xmas time. Areas I will be driving in could be atleast
> 40c - potentially more.
>
> Passanger comfort aside (we don't mind heat) - how do cars generally
> operate when the temp is that hot, and they are running for several hours
> of the day.
>
> Would welcome any input.
>
> Steve
>

Took my MY05 Impreza up from BNE to DWN in Jan this year. Cruise at 120-130
km/hr all day for 3.5 days; not a problem with the car itself. Only problem
came from a flat just E Longreach, none of the tyreshops had the particular
tyre size req; it ain't that common out there.

Cheers,
Linz

[Ext User(JD)]

Lindsay wrote:

>
> "Steve" <Stevey@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:44670dc2$0$25130$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
>> Hi,
>>
>> Just a query on how cars go when travelling in extreme heat?
>>
>> I have a 2005 Suzuki grand vitara that I am planning on using to a trip
>> to
>> central OZ around Xmas time. Areas I will be driving in could be atleast
>> 40c - potentially more.
>>
>> Passanger comfort aside (we don't mind heat) - how do cars generally
>> operate when the temp is that hot, and they are running for several hours
>> of the day.
>>
>> Would welcome any input.
>>
>> Steve
>>
>
> Took my MY05 Impreza up from BNE to DWN in Jan this year. Cruise at
> 120-130 km/hr all day for 3.5 days; not a problem with the car itself.
> Only problem came from a flat just E Longreach, none of the tyreshops had
> the particular tyre size req; it ain't that common out there.
>
> Cheers,
> Linz

Good point - a friend of mine was quoted six weeks delivery for a tyre for
his new Patrol (17" wheels) in Broken Hill!
JD

[Dirkmonger]

If you do get overheating problems it usually means you have to go without the A/C to reduce the load.

[Ext User(boris)]

.. Make sure they are in
> good condition and keep a close eye on pressures, adding a few pounds in
> this sort of heat is not a bad idea.

Hey JD..i thought (probably incorrectly as usual) that the high heat at long
running periods would make the pressure increase ? I put 40 lb in my rear
bike tyre once in the early morning before a long hot trip into central NSW
& checked it at about midday & it was from memory up around 52 lb. I was
loaded up for a big bike but it surprised the hell out of me.

[Ext User(Nemesis)]

Cripes, the abo's in the bush drive 30 year old Kingswood's that never get
serviced and drive thousands of kms every week without a hitch or air
conditioning.
But a boot full of liquid gold.

Stevo

"Steve" <Stevey@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:44670dc2$0$25130$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
> Hi,
>
> Just a query on how cars go when travelling in extreme heat?
>
> I have a 2005 Suzuki grand vitara that I am planning on using to a trip to
> central OZ around Xmas time. Areas I will be driving in could be atleast
> 40c - potentially more.
>
> Passanger comfort aside (we don't mind heat) - how do cars generally
> operate when the temp is that hot, and they are running for several hours
> of the day.
>
> Would welcome any input.
>
> Steve
>
>

[Ext User(ant)]

Nemesis wrote:
> Cripes, the abo's in the bush drive 30 year old Kingswood's that
> never get serviced and drive thousands of kms every week without a
> hitch or air conditioning.
> But a boot full of liquid gold.

and tyres full of straw...

--
ant

[Dirkmonger]

Nemesis wrote:
> Cripes, the abo's in the bush drive 30 year old Kingswood's that
> never get serviced and drive thousands of kms every week without a
> hitch or air conditioning.
> But a boot full of liquid gold.


Ahh, but do they come back?