How does the heat impact your car? - 14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

How does the heat impact your car?

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The part owner of M&M Auto Service Robert Mehling says he's been seeing quite a few cars coming in this week with air conditioning and cooling problems. The part owner of M&M Auto Service Robert Mehling says he's been seeing quite a few cars coming in this week with air conditioning and cooling problems.
TRI-STATE (WFIE) -

Most people know just how hard cold weather can be on cars, but you might not think about how your vehicles are affected by the heat.

Mechanics say they're seeing an increase in business due to the extreme weather. The number one complaint? Air conditioning and cooling problems.

It's hard to ignore that three-digit reading on your car thermometer.

"When you first turn the air conditioning on, it is going to take awhile to get the heat and humidity out of the seats, out of the interior," said part owner of M&M Auto Service Robert Mehling.

"When I get out of the car, sometimes it's cooler than it is inside," driver Joe Smith told 14 News.

Local mechanics say problems with the AC, that most-needed summer vehicle feature, are bringing in more customers than usual.

"If we have a lot of heat, hence we have a lot more wear and tear on engines and transmissions," Mehling said.

Mehling tells us, leaving your vehicle running, even waiting at long stoplights, can add to that wear and tear.

"On the cooling system, if it's weak and it's starting to have some problems, it is going to go and it's going to show up at the worst possible time."

Mechanics share simple ways to keep your car cool, like window shades and parking in the shade, tips some drivers know all too well.

"When I park, I leave windows cracked, so it will not just hold the heat like an oven," Smith said.

Mehling tells us, as for the week ahead, they've got their work cut out for them.

"We're seeing 10 to 15 a day, at least, what we can get in. And we're scheduled up pretty much until the fourth of July already."

Mechanics say it's important to take your cars in for regular check-ups on the cooling system, oil, and air filters all year round to be prepared for extreme summers like this one.

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