‘Your car is working hotter in the heat.’ How to protect your vehicle during a heat wave
Mechanics say these tips don't just help get your car ready for the summer heat, they also prepare you to get behind the wheel for those summer road trips.
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It's been a busy few weeks under the hood at Eliya Auto Repair in Paramus. Owner Jason Eliya says many drivers are coming to get their vehicles ready for the summer.
"Your car is working hotter in the heat, It's going to put a little more stress on the engine and stuff like that. So you want to make sure your cooling system, your radiator, everything like that is free of debris so you get nice air flow through it and make sure the car isn't stressing itself out," said Eliya.
And Eliya’s shop is not the only one that’s busy.
Esthanley Martinez is a mechanic at H & R Auto Repair in Ridgewood. He says with extreme heat set to move in across much of the state, there are several things you can do to get your vehicle ready for it.
Check your tires and tire pressure. Pressure can fluctuate in different temperatures.
Top off all coolants, fluids, and oils- so they are full for travel.
Check to make sure your air conditioner is working properly. It might also be a good idea to change air filters if you have not already.
Make sure to check your battery.
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"Let's say you're on the road and out of nowhere the AC is not working and you want to go, your switch is not working. You're then trapped in the heat," said Martinez.
"Check for things like corrosion. Tell tail signs that the battery might be giving out. Obviously, if it's giving you a little bit of a hard time starting that is another symptom," Elyia said.
Mechanics say these tips don't just help get your car ready for the summer heat, they also prepare you to get behind the wheel for those summer road trips.
"Have things prepared just in case, have jumper cables, have a booster. You never know what happens to a couple of screwdrivers," said Martinez.
Mechanics say to park in the shade or drive later in the evening, if possible, as other ways to protect your car during the extreme heat.
