With temperatures reaching record highs this summer, staying cool is something you may struggle with, especially when it comes to your car.
The summer heat can cause many different kinds of damage to your car. Mechanics around Auburn said the most common areas of cars affected by heat are the cooling system, water pump, head gasket, radiator and tires.
Kevin Smith, manager at Tiger Tire and Auto, said the heat can cause tires to wear down faster, and it is always a good idea to check the alignments, the coolant system and get regular oil changes to prevent your car from going over the recommended mileage.
It is important to check the maintenance of your car regularly and to address any problems right away. If you are planning to take a road trip this summer, there are a few things you might want to check before you go.
"Most people just kind of forget the importance of tires," said Phil Torrejon, co-owner of United Auto Service Center. To make sure your tires stay in good shape,Torrejon advises that you check the pressure and have plenty of tread left on them.
Another thing you should make sure of is that they are not cracked or dry rotted. Checking all your fluids, oil, coolant, brake fluid and making sure to check belts for wear is important too.
Torrejon said most cars have a translucent plastic jug which holds the coolant and, when you check it, make sure it is in between the high and low marks in the container.
Smith said another way you can check your car is by finding out if anything smells different. A sweet smell could mean something is wrong with your coolant, and a gassy or musty smell means there is an exhaust leak.
Joseph Pinson, junior in mechanical engineering, said people shouldn't forget to check their spare tire and make sure that it has the correct amount of air pressure. To be on the safe side, he said, it would be a good idea to take a few things with you on your trip for your car as well.
"For more general purposes just extra oil, extra coolant and a basic tool set are good," Pinson said.
Whether you are going on a trip or staying home this summer, don't leave your car unattended because the summer heat can cause serious damage.
If you hear any strange noises, smell anything unusual or notice any puddles from leaks, get those things checked.
"Basic thing to do is do a walk around your vehicle in the morning," Smith said. "Check everything. Make sure with the tires one's not low, seat belts all that good stuff just as long as everything's working.Main thing is coolant and the oil, and you can also check your transmission fluid."
Torrejon said regardless if it is summer or winter, don't ignore the little things because something that seems small can actually become a bigger problem or even a dangerous one.
"A lot of times people tend to ignore stuff like that thinking it's not a big deal," Torrejon said. "You're usually better off taking care of a small problem early on than you are waiting for it to become a big problem."
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