YORK, Pa. — With temperatures across central Pennsylvania hovering in the mid-90s, car mechanics are warning drivers about maintaining their vehicles during the extreme heat.
“You have a couple different components in your car that, when they’re overheated, can cause a lot of damage," said Tim Goelz, the owner of All Tune and Lube in York.
Goelz said he and his mechanics are working on servicing several cars that have been affected by the heat. He said a few vehicles had older batteries that needed to be replaced, which he said are prone to failing during extreme cold and hot temperatures.
“That weak battery can cause the alternator and starter to work a little bit harder," said Goelz. "And when it’s 100 degrees out and you’re working a little harder to start the car, it can cause some problems.”
In addition to car batteries, coolants and fluids can also be impacted by the extreme heat and could potentially cause damage to the car’s engine.
“Your coolant breaks down and a lot of moisture can get in there, so it turns into water. And if there’s a little bit of water, that water can boil," said Goelz. "So there’s a reason why you want to do your coolant changes every couple of years.”
Goelz said drivers should take their cars in for checkups on the battery, transmission fluid, coolants, oil, and tires. He added that regular maintenance of your car can make the difference when driving during this heat advisory.
“You have to take care of your car the way you take care of your body," said Goelz. "If you take care of your car when it’s young and do all your maintenance, it’s going to take good care of you for a long time.”