Avoid Costly Repairs: Protect Your Car From Oklahoma's Extreme Heat

Cars break down in the summer more than any other time of year, according to AAA.

A local car care expert has shared with News 9 some tips on how to keep your car running well all through the hot summer months

In the extreme heat of Oklahoma summers, fluids evaporate, and cars need to work harder.

This can cause battery failures, air conditioning repairs and tire replacements

Roman Combs at Milex Complete Auto Care said the best way to keep your car out of the shop is to pay attention to the warning lights and gauges on your dash. Any weird noises or movements are trying to tell you something.

The biggest car problem he sees in the summer is engines overheating.

To avoid that, he said to check your engine's air filter, coolant levels and radiator to make sure it's getting proper airflow.

"If you do overheat on the roads," Combs said, "One of the things you have to do as quickly as you can is stop the car. Don't try to make it anywhere, just get somewhere safe."

Combs said in an emergency, when you can't turn the car off, turn your heater on full blast

That will get the hot air out from under the hood.

Checking to make sure your battery, tires, oil and other fluids are good to go can also prevent breakdowns in the heat.

Combs also said you can always stop by a local car shop to get a trip check before you go on a long road trip. That will keep your car running safely while you're far away from home.