Keeping your vehicle cool in hot temperatures

By Stephen McLamb- bio | email

GUNTERSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Not only are people taking a beating from the excessive heat outside, but so are our vehicles.

However, a Guntersville express oil business owner has some ideas on what to do to keep your vehicle running cool.

"Oil and water are your two biggest things other than gas that makes it drive," said Barry Priest with B'S Express Lube.

Barry Priest with B's Express Lube sees many a vehicle that's got problems with the heat, and it all starts with the vehicle's cooling system.

"Basically low radiators because they're not checking their water levels in the radiator reservoirs. Radiators, when they lose an inch and a half of water in their radiator it will cause them to overheat," said Priest.

Priest says believe it or not, a hot running car can make you hot, because it can affect your air conditioner.

"And if the radiator ain't doing it's job as far as cooling then it causes that condenser out on front of the engine to not cool as well either," said Priest.

So Priest encourages you to do some simple things such as check the coolant level in it's reservoir, and make sure it's properly topped off. Watch your gauges while driving, they will let you know when there's a serious problem.

Also, make sure your motor oil levels are full.

"It should be topped off too because that does dissipate heat away from the engine also," said Priest.

Priest says if your radiator levels are low, you may want to get that checked out. He says there could be a more serious problem of possibly a leaking radiator.

Just following a few simple tips will keep your car, and you, cool and happy.