Tips For Avoiding Car Trouble During Heat Wave
By Hadas Kuznits
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - As tough as this heat can be on people, it can be just as tough on your car, which is why it's important to do what you can to keep your car, and your car's air conditioner, in working condition.
Just like people, cars need fluids. Frank Sauer, who owns 11th Street Auto Repair in Philadelphia, says in a heat wave, you want to check those fluid levels in your vehicle.
"We need to be able to check the freon in the system to make sure it's up to par. Make sure the belts are where they belong. The belt drives the air conditioning compressor which compresses the freon from a liquid to a gas to keep the inside cool."
Sauer says before turning on your air conditioner, it's a good idea to open all of your windows to allow the heat in your car to escape first.
He also says your car should get a check-up annually, but in extreme conditions, take extra notice if it's not running normally.
"If you hear something or feel something that doesn't sound quite right, absolutely bring it in. Just like us, when we don't feel right we go to the doctor."
Another piece of advice Sauer provides is to park your car in the shade, if possible, so it doesn't have to work as hard to cool down.
