There’s a puddle underneath your car. Don’t panic. If it’s summer and you’ve just run the air conditioning, you probably don’t need to worry. But there are times when you should be concerned.
We’ve put together a guide to why puddles form under cars, what to look for, and when you need to act.
What is an air conditioning puddle?
Water puddles are common on hot, humid days after we run our car’s air conditioner. That’s because the process of air conditioning produces condensation. There’s a drain tube built into the system that allows that moisture to pass through the floorboard and exit the car. You’ll usually see that puddle under the car on the front passenger side.
Note: A puddle under the car is normal. A puddle inside the car is not.
Check to see if the puddle is water.
Chances are, if it’s a hot day and you just ran the air conditioning, that puddle is water. However, you can easily check that.
Dip a clean rag in the puddle. Do the sniff test. If there’s an odor, it’s not water.
Visually inspect the fluid on the rag. If there’s a color, it’s not water.
Slide some white cardboard under the car to tell what is leaking and where.
What if it’s not water?
If it’s not water, here are some common fluids that could be leaking from your car. Should you see any of these leaks, get them fixed as soon as possible.
Coolant (antifreeze) – Coolant comes in many colors, including green, orange, yellow, blue, greenish blue, pink or red. It may appear clear with a hint of color. It also will have an odor. If your radiator loses too much coolant, your engine can overheat. Leaks also are dangerous to pets. The sweet smell of coolant can attract them and it’s poisonous if consumed.
Gas – A fuel leak may look like water, but it will smell like fuel. It’s also highly flammable so be cautious when handling it. Fuel leaks usually happen due to a crack in the fuel tank.
Oil – If it’s light brown or black, and greasy, it’s probably engine oil. You’ll find this type of leak at the front end of your vehicle. If you suspect an oil leak, check your car’s dipstick. If it’s low, that confirms there is an oil leak.
Brake fluid – This type of fluid ranges from clear to yellow brow in color. You’ll find the leak near the wheels. It’s not safe to drive if you have a brake fluid leak. It may cause the brakes to fail.
Automatic transmission fluid – This fluid is pink to dark brown. It is a lubricant and a coolant. If you have this type of leak, driving your car could cause further damage.
Power steering fluid – Usually yellow or reddish brown in color, a power steering fluid leak will have a slightly sweet, burnt smell. Driving on low levels of steering fluid can cause lasting damage.
Windshield washer fluid – This comes in colors such as blue, purple, green, or orange. You’ll likely find the leak in the reservoir near the windshield. While a windshield washer fluid link won’t affect the car’s operation, it will impact your ability to drive in the rain.
Refrigerant Leaks
There’s also a possibility that the refrigerant from your air conditioning system is leaking. Refrigerant is colorless and can look like water. If refrigerant is leaking, it puts a strain on the compressor and reduces the air conditioner’s ability to cool down air.
Leaks can happen for a variety of reasons. These include a blockage in the drainpipe, the drain not being attached properly, air filters that are dirty or blocked or a broken drain pan.
Here’s how to diagnose a refrigerant leak:
Listen for a clicking sound. With less refrigerant, the compressor shortens its cycle. This creates a clicking sound, which is an early warning sign.
Look for a dashboard When refrigerant levels are low, there may be an early warning light.
The air conditioning stops working. If it’s blowing hot air, the refrigerant level is too low.
Air conditioning leaks inside the car
If your air conditioning drain tube becomes blocked, you may notice a buildup of water on the front carpets and mats of your car. That may mean you need to clean out the tube and remove any debris. This will allow condensation to flow freely. If the tube is deteriorating or damaged, or if the heater core is leaking, it requires a more extensive repair. If you suspect a clogged drain tube, try driving without the air conditioning. See if the dampness continues. If it does not, then you’ll want to get your drain tube checked out.
Your car is one of your greatest investments. Keep it well maintained and fully insured for added peace of mind. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It can happen in an instant. A child falls into the pool. A friend collapses in the heat. Someone chokes on a piece of food. If you know CPR, you can help.
CPR is short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is a lifesaving technique used in situations when someone’s heart stops or they stop breathing. CPR helps supply blood and oxygen to vital organs. It increases your chances of survival. It can be used for both humans and pets.
Follow this guide to know what to do if you have to administer CPR in an emergency.
Before beginning CPR
Check for responsiveness. Shout, “are you okay?” Or tap the individual gently and see if he/she moves or makes a sound. If there is no movement, no pulse, no breathing, or the person is unconsciousness, it’s time to start CPR.
If you’re alone, and performing CPR on a child, start immediately. You’ll call 9-1-1 after 2 minutes of CPR and rescue breaths.
If you’re alone, and performing CPR on an adult or teen, call 9-1-1 before you start CPR. Put your phone on speaker.
If you’re with others, point to one person. Tell him or her to call 9-1-1 and then begin CPR. If you don’t specify the person, there’s a chance that no one will make the call. If there might be an automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby, send someone to get it as well.
For pets, an emergency vet is the equivalent of 9-1-1. See the last section for steps to take in performing CPR.
CPR for Adults
CPR for adults also applies teens. The general rule is that if the person has entered puberty, this technique may be used.
Step #1: Put the person on their back on a flat firm surface. Kneel beside them.
Step #2: Do 30 chest compressions to get the blood flowing.
Place your two hands centered on the person’s chest.
Make sure your shoulders are directly above your hands. Lock your elbows.
Push down at least 2 inches hard and fast, about 100-120 compressions per minute.
Let the chest return to normal between compressions.
Step #3: Look, listen and feel for breathing.
Look to see if their chest is rising and falling.
Listen for breathing sounds.
Feel their breath against your cheek.
Step #4: Give 2 rescue breaths to deliver oxygen to the organs.
Tilt the head and lift the chin to open the airway.
Make sure there is nothing in the mouth obstructing the airway. If there is, sweep it out with your fingers.
Pinch the nose shut, while you take a normal breath.
Put your mouth over the person’s mouth and make a complete seal.
Blow the breath into their mouth for one second. Watch the chest rise. If the chest does not rise, try repeating the head tilt and breath. If the chest still doesn’t rise, there may be something blocking the airway.
Repeat the process of blowing for a second breath.
Step #5: There may be an AED if you are in a public place. This machine delivers an electric shock to the heart. It can help restore a heart’s rhythm. After five cycles of CPR, turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
CPR for Children (1-12 years)
A child’s airway is more delicate than an adult’s airway. If you approach CPR on a child as you would an adult, you could do harm. You will need to be more careful with the head tilt and the compression strength and depth.
Step #1: Place the child on his/her back on a flat surface. Kneel next to the child.
Step #2: Do 30 chest compressions.
Put heel of one hand on the breastbone, just under the nipples. Make sure your hand is not on the end of the breastbone.
Push down about one-third of the child’s chest, about 1.5 to 2 inches. Aim for 100-120 compressions per minute.
Let the chest return to normal between compressions.
Step #3: Look, listen and feel for breathing.
Look to see if their chest is rising and falling.
Listen for breathing sounds.
Feel their breath against your cheek.
Step #4: Give 2 rescue breaths for every 30 compressions.
Lift the chin to tilt the head back. Be careful not to tilt the head too far.
Make sure there is nothing in the mouth that is blocking the airway.
Pinch the nose shut, while you take a normal breath.
Put your mouth over the child’s mouth and make a complete seal.
Blow the breath into their mouth for one second. Watch the chest rise. If the chest does not rise, try repeating the head tilt and breath. If the chest still doesn’t rise, there may be something blocking the airway.
Repeat the process of blowing for a second breath.
Step #5: If an AED with pediatric pads is available, use it after five cycles of CPR. Pediatric pads adjust the energy level used. You can use adult pads for children ages 8 and older.
CPR for Babies (under a year)
Babies have flexible bones and are still developing. You must take care with the force of your compressions and breaths.
Step #1: Place the child on his/her back on a flat surface such as a table or floor.
Step #2: Do 30 chest compressions.
Use only 2 fingers to provide compressions in the center of the baby’s chest.
Place your fingers in the center of the chest just below an imaginary line between the nipples. Compression depth should be about an inch and a half.
Do 30 gentle chest compressions. Aim for 100 compressions per minute.
Step #3: Look, listen and feel for breathing.
Look to see if their chest is rising and falling.
Listen for breathing sounds.
Feel their breath against your cheek.
Step #4: Give 2 rescue breaths for every 30 compressions.
Gently tilt back the baby’s head and lift its chin to open the airway.
With your breaths, do not use the full force of your lungs. Use your cheeks to puff air into the mouth and nose.
Give one gentle puff of air for the duration of a second. Wait one second and give a second puff.
Watch to see if the baby’s chest rises. If it doesn’t rise, repeat the head tilt, and give another breath.
Step #5: If available, use the AED only with pediatric pads, after five cycles of CPR.
CPR for Pets
You also may perform CPR on a pet. Make sure to only do it for unconscious animals, as even a beloved family pet can bite from pain or fear. The following guidelines are geared toward our fur babies.
Step #1: Place the pet on a flat surface such as a table or floor. Kneel or stand behind the pet.
For large dogs, put the dog on its back and compress its chest as you would a human.
For small dogs and cats, lie them on their side and compress the side of the rib cage or position the animal on its back and press on both sides of the rib cage.
Step #2: Do 30 chest compressions.
Compress at least a third the depth of the chest, but not more than a half the depth.
For small dogs and cats, do compressions with one hand to avoid pushing too hard.
For dogs over 60 lbs.: do 60 compressions per minute.
For animals 11 to 60 lbs.: do 80-100 compressions per minute.
For animals 10 lbs. or less: do 120 compressions per minute.
Step #3: Give 2 rescue breaths.
Make sure the pet’s windpipe is as straight as possible. The head should be flat on the table or floor with tip of nose aligned with the spine.
Open the animal’s mouth, and make sure the air passage is clear. Remove any objects.
Open your mouth. Put it over both nostrils of your pet. For large dogs, close the pet’s jaw tightly and breathe into the nose. For small dogs and cats, cover the animal’s nose and mouth with your mouth as you breathe.
Blow hard and quickly and make sure you see the chest rise.
Step #4: Alternate breaths with compressions. There should be 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
Step #5: Since 9-1-1 is not an option for pets, get someone to help you get your pet to an emergency vet. Continue CPR on the drive over.
CPR training is available for adults, children, babies, and pets. Contact your local Red Cross for information on human CPR and ask your veterinarian about animal CPR. Keeping your pet fully insured also will help should an emergency arise.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It’s going to be a hot one. When you’re traveling, that can be a problem. Vacationing in extreme heat is not only uncomfortable, but it can put you in real danger. Here’s how to keep your cool when you’re traveling or vacationing in extreme heat this summer.
Avoid the hottest hours.
The sun is highest at midday but that’s not when the air is the hottest. While it depends on your geographic location, generally the hottest times of day are between 3 and 6 pm. It’s a good idea to avoid being outside during those hours. Take a siesta in your vacation home. Plan an itinerary that includes outdoor adventures earlier in the day or in the evening. The advantage of traveling in the summer is that sunset is very late in some countries so there’s extended daylight well into the evening hours.
Pro Tip: Check for evening discounts. Some attractions may offer them.
Wear the right clothes.
Look for white or light-colored clothing made of rayon, cotton, or linen. Those fabrics will allow heat to pass through and keep you cooler. Avoid synthetics and dark colors which absorb heat. Choose loose styles that allow your body the space to “breathe” and sweat. Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses; both will help.
Stay hydrated.
You sweat more when it’s hot, and so you need to replenish the water and nutrients lost by your body. Try to drink every 15-30 minutes even if you’re not thirsty. Stick to water or sports drinks that have electrolytes. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol, both of which are dehydrating.
Pro Tip: Set reminders on your phone to hydrate. There are apps available that can make it fun.
Choose the right foods.
When we eat a lot of heavy foods, our bodies work hard to digest them. In the process, that creates heat. Choose lighter fare instead. Hydrating foods like fruits and salads do double duty and provide extra water. Cold foods, like ice cream and smoothies, naturally help to cool down your body. Salty snacks such as salted nuts, popcorn, and trail mixes help replace electrolytes.
Get wet.
If you can’t get to a swimming pool to cool down, there are some creative options. Take a cold shower or dunk your head under the faucet. Wet hair will make breezes feel cool. Hold your wrists under cool running water. Wet your hat or wear a damp evaporation scarf. All of this will help lower your body’s core temperature.
Pro Tip: Invest in a breeze fan and bring the misty breeze along with you.
Use an umbrella.
Think of it as your personal shady spot. By keeping the sun’s rays off you, an umbrella will make you cooler. Heading to the beach? Bring a tent or umbrella for a similar effect. In general, it’s a good idea to seek out shade wherever you go.
Look for places to cool off.
Look for malls, libraries, museums, and galleries that can offer quick relief. Plan for those inside activities during the hottest part of the day. You may want to call ahead to confirm that they have air conditioning. It is not necessarily the norm in countries outside the U.S.
Don’t overdo it.
Exercise raises your core body temperature. Limit physical activities in the heat. Avoid climbing hills or doing any activities that require exertion. These activities will only put extra stress on your body as it’s trying to deal with the heat.
Take care of your car.
Extreme heat can affect your car, too. If you’re on a road trip, make sure to be aware of the effects. The heat could make it hard for your battery to hold a charge. It can affect tire pressure and even cause tires to overheat, putting you at risk for a blowout. Air conditioning puts extra stress on the engine. Before you plan a road trip in the summer, have your vehicle checked to make sure it’s in its best shape to travel.
Acclimate yourself before your trip.
You can adjust your body to the heat before your vacation. Go to a sauna or steam room. Work up to spending 30-40 minutes in that sauna/steam room over 7-10 days. It allows your body to get used to the heat.
Beware of heat stroke.
Know the signs of heat stroke and a place where you can get medical attention while traveling. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable so you will want to take extra precautions to keep them cool.
Safe travels and enjoy the journey!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Your cell phone is your trusted companion, your admin assistant, social director, banker, compass, and connection to the world. If it ends up in the wrong hands, you could be in deep trouble.
At best, a hacked phone could make life difficult. At worst, it could result in thousands of dollars in identity theft. Here’s what you need to know to protect your cell phone from hackers.
Update to the latest version.
Many hackers take advantage of out-of-date operating systems. Whether you have iOS or Android, make sure to update your phone to the newest version. This will give you the latest security fixes.
Avoid fingerprint and facial recognition.
Hackers can take your fingerprints from a drinking glass to open your phone. They also can use photos of you to get past facial recognition settings. Use a pin instead and make sure you’re the only one that knows it. Change it regularly, at least once a year.
Pro Tip: Don’t set your phone to automatically unlock, even at home. If you’re an iOS user, disable Siri access from the lock screen.
Avoid unsecured connections.
Public WiFi is available nearly everywhere. While it makes our lives easier, it comes with security risks. Use caution if you’re on an unsecured network. Never access your bank account or shop online unless you’re on a secure network with a lock icon.
Pro Tip: Use a VPN, a virtual private network that protects your identity while working on a public network. VPNs usually have an associated fee.
Use strong passwords for your apps.
Avoid pet names, birthdays, and other personal information that may readily be available on social media. It makes it easy for hackers to guess your password. The best passwords are complex and unique. Password managers make it easy to set distinct passwords without having to memorize them.
Pro Tip: For an added layer of security, use different email addresses: one for financials and one for social media.
Don’t just download any apps.
Anyone can create an app, including hackers. If you download the wrong app, you could be adding malware that can steal from your phone. Make sure the apps you’re using are from reputable companies. Take a few minutes to review your apps and delete any that aren’t verified.
Don’t save your information.
It may be convenient to save your credit card information on online shopping sites. Check out as a guest instead. Be selective when you give out your personal information.
Freeze your credit.
Cell phone providers use the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange. Freeze your credit with them and with the big 3 credit unions: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. This will ensure that no one can open new accounts in your name.
Disable WiFi, Bluetooth and Cellular Data if not using your phone.
A hacker can’t hack you if you’re not connected. When in a public place, you can disable access to the internet. One easy way is to turn on Airplane Mode. You also can use your user’s manual to find out how to disable connectivity.
Consider anti-virus software.
There are two schools of thought on whether security software is necessary for smartphones. Some say it’s unnecessary and others recommend it. You may consider it as an additional layer of protection.
Know how to control your phone remotely.
Settings and apps allow you to remotely lock and erase your phone if it’s stolen. Make sure you know how to use them. There is the “Find My Phone” option in iCloud and the Android Device Manager in Google.
Back up your data.
Make sure you regularly back up your data to the cloud or your computer. If you’re hacked, you’ll still have access to that information.
How to Know if Your Phone Has Been Hacked
You may not realize the moment your phone is hacked. Initially, it may present as a technical issue. Malware can cause this with its malicious code. Watch for these telltale signs:
Your phone loses charge quickly.
Your phone runs very slowly, freezes and crashes.
You notice unusual activity on your online accounts.
If you believe your phone was hacked, install and run anti-virus protection. Delete any risky apps, texts, and files. If the damage is extensive, you can always wipe and restore your phone to factory settings. Then you’ll be able to address the damage done by hackers to your accounts, both financial and social.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Getting into a hot car is the last thing you want to do on a scorching summer day. You want to cool that car down fast. We researched the tried-and-true methods to maximize the cool in your car’s air conditioning system. Read on to find out more.
How air conditioning works in your vehicle
Your car’s air conditioning pulls air in from the cabin or outdoors. It takes out the heat and moisture, and then pushes it through the vents so you feel cool air. Importantly, the air conditioner draws energy from the engine. When you put on the air, your engine must work harder, and you burn more fuel. So, you want to cool down, but you don’t necessarily want to do it by burning more than you need to.
Follow these 6 tips to cool your car quickly and efficiently.
#1: Park in a shady spot.
Give your air conditioner some help by parking in a shady spot. While your car will still be hot, it will be cooler than in the direct sun. That way your air conditioning will start with the air at a relatively lower temperature and have less work to do to bring the temperature down.
Pro Tip: If there is no shady spot, create one with a sunshade. Not only does it help with heat, a sunshade protects the inside of your car from damaging UV rays.
#2: Wait to run the AC.
Roll down the windows and let the warm air escape before you get into the car. Open your door and move it back and forth like a fan, to force some cooler air in and hot air out. Then, wait until the car is in motion to turn on the air conditioning. Precooling without driving can reduce the battery life of an electric or hybrid car. Plus, as you’re moving, the air flow will naturally help the AC run more efficiently. The faster you go, the faster the engine turns, and the faster the compressor runs, resulting in cooler air.
Pro Tip: So that the steering wheel and other components aren’t too hot to touch, try wiping them down with a damp cloth prior to driving. In a pinch, wet wipes can work.
#3: Don’t switch to max right away.
When you first get into the car, it’s usually hotter inside than the air outside. You don’t want to pull in that hot air. Instead, turn on the fan to maximum speed and make sure it’s set to outside mode (not recirculate). Leave the AC button off at first. Once you’ve had a chance to force out some of the humid and hot air, then turn on the AC mode and set it to recirculate. Keep it on the coldest setting until it’s the temperature you want.
Pro Tip: Before you shut off your car, turn the air off. That way it won’t go on automatically when you turn it on again.
#4: Install an AC curtain.
It’s faster to cool a smaller space than a larger one. That’s the idea behind an AC curtain. This fan-powered device creates an invisible barrier that keeps cold air in one section. In a larger SUV or minivan, this could reduce the space that needs to be cooled, and it works well if there are just a couple of occupants.
Pro Tip: Amp up the cool with a cooling seat cover with its own temperature control.
#5: Change your air filters.
Your car’s air filters remove dirt, pollen, and dust from the air. When your cabin filters are clogged, they struggle to get the air through. That’s why it’s important to clean them according to the schedule in your owner’s manual. This is usually every year or two, or every 15,000-20,000 miles.
#6: Keep your car well maintained.
A dirty air condenser impacts the performance of your air conditioning system. Have your condenser cleaned with regular maintenance. If your AC is not working well, check the system. It could be a worn-out part, or too little refrigerant in in the system. Note that adding refrigerant is not a normal task. The system is sealed, and so if refrigerant is low, you could have a leak.
Finally, protect your car with the right insurance for added peace of mind this summer.
Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
