The Valley is under an excessive heat warning, which is expected to last through the weekend. While the safety of residents and pets is a top concern, Julian Paredes, a spokesperson for AAA Arizona, says cars also need protection.
“Your car has to work a little bit harder during the heat,” he said. “Some things are more prone to failure than others so three really big things that you want to keep an eye out during the summertime is going to be anything rubber in your car, your car battery and all your vehicle fluids.”
Paredes recommends scheduling car maintenance, keeping water in your car at all times, topping off fluids, and checking the treads and pressure on car tires.
Heat’s influence on tire pressure combined with hot asphalt can cause blowouts.
If a car does break down, Paredes said the safest thing to do is often to stay with the vehicle. Unfortunately, this is a busy time of year for breakdowns.
