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Jun 14, 2023

New Orleans extreme heat car safety tips

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Cars may be the last thing you think of when it comes to needing protection from the recent extreme heat. "Fans are going out,

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Cars may be the last thing you think of when it comes to needing protection from the recent extreme heat.

"Fans are going out, alternators are melting down, starters are going out heat really hurts all this stuff," said Nicholas Gilthorpe, mechanic and co-owner of Tim's Quality Car Care.

Southeast Louisiana — like most of the U.S. is witnessing one of the worst heat waves to date.

New Orleans alone is now recording six consecutive triple-digit days.

Gilthorpe said 70% of the cars in their shop right now have heat-related issues.

"When the car can't keep up, that's when you start having pressures go up, and then you start having things pop plastic fittings seals on water pumps, radiators, that kind of stuff," said Gilthorpe.

AAA is asking drivers to make a good b-e-t to stay on the road by checking the battery, engine and tires of your vehicle before hitting the road.

"If you got a weak battery to begin with, heat will absolutely destroy it. Typically a new car battery could usually get about five years out of it but when you have this extreme heat like now, you're likely to get just about three years out of that battery," said Donald Redman, AAA spokesman Louisiana.

While breakdowns can still happen despite some preventative measures, Gilthorpe recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit, including plenty of water for yourself in the car.

"Service your car and make sure it has a full AC charge and make sure your fans are working properly," said Gilthorpe.

With temperatures nearing the hundreds, it's a good reminder not to leave kids or pets in a parked car, even for just a few minutes.