How to protect your car from extreme heat damage this summer
Athena Jreij
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — The desert’s heat is impacting more than just locals’ wellbeing, it could also be taking a toll on your car. That’s according to AAA, who say high temperatures can increase wear on a vehicle’s battery, tires, engine and fluids.
“We know that the three top roadside emergencies caused by heat are overheating, dead batteries and flat tires,” Anlleyn Venegas with Auto Club of Southern California said.
Officials say running your air conditioning on high can demand more from your engine, heat can increase tire pressure, leading to blowouts, and gas may burn quicker as fluids evaporate under high temperatures.
Sergio Ceballos, the owner of Sergio’s Automotive in Thousand Palms, says he’s also seen the impact with more drivers coming in for service.
“Especially when it’s hot. Cars are overheating, tires, belts, the water pump leaking,” Ceballos said.
Officials say the best way to counteract heat damage is to conduct regular maintenance checks on your vehicle including watching the engine and tire pressure.
“Overheating is a common cause of summer breakdowns. So what we tell drivers is just make sure, you check your coolant levels regularly,” Venegas said.
Ceballos says moving up that oil change date can also help.
“People think the oil change is supposedly every 5,000 miles. But if you use the car a lot, you can do it every 4,000 miles too,” Ceballos said.
AAA is also warning drivers to keep an emergency kit on hand, that includes batteries, chargers and water if you are stranded on the road.
For more information, visit: AAA CAR CARE TIPS