AMERICAN drivers have received a major warning about how heat could damage a car and leave a vehicle owner with costly repairs.
As Las Vegas, Nevada reaches triple-digit temperatures during the summer, residents actually find themselves driving less to avoid heat-related auto maintenance.
One driver explained that her body has gotten "acclimated to Vegas heat" after living in the area for over 20 years, "but your cars never do," Frieda Vallejos told local CBS affiliate KLAS-TV.
Unfortunately, she was dealing with some heat-related vehicle issues as Vallejos shared that the knob on her center console fell apart.
The driver stressed that it's not just tires and batteries that have problems caused by heat for people who live in Las Vegas.
"When it’s hot, but your car inside the parts can melt," she added.
Mechanics in the city have said they certainly see a hike in the amount of drivers that come into repair shops with issues.
"The big things are the engines that are overheating," car technician David Hartson admitted.
"That’s where the cars are breaking down and you have tire failures, and then when it’s super hot you have the battery that can be weak."
He stressed that vehicles need proper air.
The auto repairman said he's even seen vehicles start failing after sitting in traffic for too long.
"The road construction is making these cars overheat because there is no airflow going in front of the vehicle," Hartson added.
"Also, you are running the air conditioning which is creating more heat so the engine is running at a higher temperature than normal, especially in Las Vegas."
The area is harsh on automobiles' batteries because of the dry desert air as well.
"It's so hot sometimes these cars are hard [to start] because the air/fuel mixture is off," the mechanic said.
"And once they start, they'll run but they'll struggle."
In extremely high temperatures, your car needs protection to avoid any auto damage.
SOURCE: USA Today
Nevada drivers should keep in mind that tires are highly affected by heat.
Especially in the summer, you may need more air in the wheels even if the reminder light doesn't turn on.
In the high heat, it's important to pay attention the the condition of all four of your tires.
“The thing to look for on a tire is not only the treadwear," Hartson advised.
"But the cracking in between the actual treads."
He explained that the rubber on the tire can develop cracks that the heat can cause to separate.
