Maintaining your car during summer months

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - Extreme heat can not only affect you and your family, but it can also affect how your vehicle runs.

"People forget to check their systems and it's just a busy time of year," West Service Center in Chesapeake's Mark Reid said.

Reid says he has seen a rise in business due to sweltering heat.

"We are seeing a lot of cooling issues," Reid said. "People need to get their coolant systems checked. We are seeing water pump problems, thermostat problems and overheating problems. You just need to get your vehicle serviced regularly."

Reid says you should often check the gauges on your dash. If your car is telling you it's running hot you should turn your A/C off.

"Pull off to the side of the road and have your system checked," Reid said.

Make sure your antifreeze and engine oil levels are correct, and check if your battery is working properly.

"In the summertime, you got electrolytes and water inside of them and they dry up," Reid said. "That causes the plates to go bad and stick, and then it just runs out of water and the battery goes bad."

Reid says to keep an eye on rubber parts of your vehicle as well.

"Belts are important too, because that is what controls your fans and your cooling systems," Reid said. "[They] keep your radiator cool, keep your water pump running, [and] keep your engine running."