OKLAHOMA CITY -
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.
Hot, hot heat means jammed packed auto shops with cars broken down.
