Extreme Heat Also A Nuisance To Oklahoma Vehicles

Most Oklahomans are already fed up with the triple-digit heat this summer, but the weather could be playing even more havoc with vehicles.

The extreme heat can mean extreme costs, but News 9 got the rundown Friday from a metro mechanic who showed us what to do to prevent a car from breaking down, so residents avoid an emergency trip to the mechanic during these hot days.

Hot, hot heat means jammed packed auto shops with cars broken down. One Cadillac came into the shop after overheating on the highway.

"Nowadays car are basically gasoline-powered computers, so we see a lot of electronic failure, computer-related drivability issues along with your ever-present cooling system leaks, radiators blown up, air conditioning failure, things of that nature," said auto shop owner, Jeff Beck.

Just like a home computer, your car can overheat, but Beck says there are some simple steps you can take to keep your car running right. Under the hood, check your anti-freeze fluid levels, tubes connections, drive belts and clear debris around the radiator. And don't forget the tire pressure.

"An under inflated tire, especially where the temperature on the streets is 170 degrees and you're rolling down the road in an under-inflated tire, tires going to overheat, you're going to have a blowout," said Beck.

Beck's biggest piece of advice: when that gauge starts ticking up toward the ‘H',  your car is too hot to drive. So pull over turn it off and call a tow. It will save you money in the end.

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that a hundred dollar tow bill is cheaper than a $5,000 engine, so why risk it?" said Beck.

Bottom line, it's a good idea to visit a mechanic you have a good relationship with and have them take a look at your vehicle to make sure everything is running smoothly.