Motorists must ensure vehicles don’t overheat

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The heat is on and temperatures are now affecting plans of those heading to various destinations like Pune, Satara and the Konkan.

The highway police have reported breakdowns of smaller cars and heavy vehicles due to the heat, resulting in traffic jams on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and on the ghats. As vehicles ascend the ghat, their acceleration leads to overheating, eventually causing breakdowns.

The Maharashtra state highway police consistently raises awareness and issues alerts with reference to vehicle overheating. Officers are stationed before the ascent, advising drivers to turn off their air-conditioning to prevent their vehicles from overheating. Cars and heavy vehicle drivers are encouraged to pause before the ascent, allowing vehicles to cool down.

Keep vehicles in prime condition and be up to date with your vehicle checks, before embarking on long journeys. Recognise that a vacation can go from a dream to nightmare in seconds if there is a dismissive or complacent approach to rules and regulations.

When you have officials warning against overheating, heed that advice as it is coming from a good place. When officials tell you to pause before the ascent, listen to them, for they are talking from experience.