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Extreme heat has potential to damage more cars than cold weather

"Try to keep an eye on your car the same way you would your kid outside when it’s extremely hot."

With the heat reaching triple digits, AAA wants to remind drivers the extreme heat has the potential to damage more cars than cold weather.

William Worley, who is the owner of Piney’s Auto Repair and Customer Service in Cleveland, knows that all too well. He says he received a call from a woman whose 2006 Toyota Camry broke down on the side of the road.

"She hopped off the highway," he said. "She was running her air-conditioner and stereo radio, usual routine and hopped off the highway and her battery was smoking."

Worley says it was due to the extreme heat. High temps can damage the inside of a battery by increasing the rate of fluid loss and resulting oxidation of battery components, putting older batteries at more risk of failing

"The car works just like a human body," Worley said.

He added it’s important to check your fluids such as coolant, oil, and brakes to prevent your car from overheating. He says to be mindful of the warning lights in your car as well so you don’t end up broken down on the side of the road.

"Try to keep an eye on your car the same way you would your kid outside when it’s extremely hot," he said.  

Worley also says to check the tread on your tires, since hot pavement cause your tire to blow out. He also says to make sure your tires have enough air in them, because riding uneven can cause even a new tire to blowout.

"It also will cause the tires to heat up in an unorthodox manner," he said.

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