AMERICAN drivers have been given a major warning about how heat can damage a car and leave the vehicle owner with costly repairs.
Like Las Vegas, Nevada reaches triple-digit temperatures during the summer, residents end up driving less to avoid heat-related car maintenance.
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One driver explained that his body has “accustomed to the Las Vegas heat” after living in the area for more than 20 years, “but his cars never do that,” Frieda Vallejos told local CBS affiliate KLAS-TV.
Unfortunately, she was dealing with some heat-related issues in the vehicle when Vallejos shared that the center console button broke.
The driver highlighted that it is not just tires and batteries that present problems caused by the heat for those who live in Las Vegas.
“When it’s hot, but your car’s interior parts can melt,” she added.
City mechanics said they are certainly seeing an increase in the number of drivers arriving at their repair shops with problems.
“The big problem is the engines that are overheating,” admitted automotive technician David Hartson.
“That’s where cars break down and tires fail, and then when it’s overheated, the battery can be low.”
He highlighted that vehicles need adequate air.
The auto repairman said he’s even seen vehicles start to fail after sitting in traffic for too long.
“Road construction is overheating these cars because there is no airflow in front of the vehicle,” Hartson added.
“Plus, you’re running the air conditioning, which creates more heat, so the engine runs at a higher temperature than normal, especially in Las Vegas.”
The area is also hard on car batteries because of the dry desert air.
“It’s so hot that sometimes these cars are difficult [to start] because the air/fuel mixture is wrong”, said the mechanic.
“And once they start, they’ll run, but they’ll have a hard time.”
How to protect your car from extreme heat
In extremely high temperatures, your car needs protection to prevent damage.
- Park in the shade
- A windshield sunscreen
- Maintain tire pressure
- Check the cooling system
- Keep all car fluids at proper levels
- Check the vehicle battery
- Drive during the coldest hours of the day
SOURCE: USA today
Nevada drivers should keep in mind that tires are highly affected by heat.
Especially in summer, you may need more air in the wheels even if the reminder light does not come on.
In intense heat, it is important to pay attention to the condition of all four tires.
“What to look for in a tire is not just the tread,” Hartson advised.
“But the cracks between the real steps.”
He explained that tire rubber can develop cracks that heat can cause to separate.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
