Protecting Vehicles in the Heat

Mechanics in Connecticut are giving tips on how to protect your vehicles from the heat. 

Kevin Richard, a mechanic at South Street Auto in West Hartford, tested one resident's car battery and found it had less than half of its initial power left.

"We’ll put a new battery in this and she should be fine,” Richard said. "No other problem."

Richard said car batteries should last drivers four to five years, but considering Connecticut gets extreme weather in both the summer and winter, which could seriously cut into its life span, it’s a good idea to check it regularly.

Other common summertime problems? Air conditioners.

"If your air conditioner isn’t efficient enough and it’s not blowing cold air, it’s going to have to work twice as hard to do its job and keep up," Richard said. "And that’s going to take a toll on the system, [which could] make it weaker and things will fail."

One often heard myth, Richard notes, is that drivers should change their tire pressure depending on the season. Instead, he suggests sticking with the recommended tire pressure from the user manual, which is different from the maximum load it can carry, as indicated on the tire. Keep that consistent year around.

Also, checking your fluid levels and coolant system before a trip will likely pay off down the road.

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