MARION (WSIL) -- While you're sitting in the AC the heat is cooking your car.
You may think a lot about extra maintenance come winter time, but the heat can also adversely affect your car and send you on an unplanned trip to the mechanic in the middle of summer. Extreme temperatures of either variety can add extra stress to your vehicle, especially parts that are due for replacement. That means your vehicle may be at a higher risk for things like fluid leaks, blown hoses, or even battery failure.
Owner of Hale's Automotive, Joe Hale, says he's already witnessed the heat's damage.
"Just this week alone, when we got here Monday morning, we had like three cars that'd been towed in off the interstate. One was air condition compressor locked up, another was the fuel pump had went out, another one was the alternator had went out."
Hale says he doesn't let a service appointment leave until they've checked tires, brakes, belts, hoses, fluid levels, and lights. He recommends that you always check your oil and tires before hitting the highway.
He says the easiest way to keep your car on the road in the hot summer months is to ask for a pre-trip inspection when you get your car serviced.
