LAS VEGASS (KTNV) — As temperatures heat up in the Las Vegas valley, the triple-digit temperatures can take a toll on your car.
Mechanics at Wally's Precision Auto Care say to avoid a tire blowout, pay attention to the age and condition of your tires.
Typically, experts say the lifespan of a tire is about five years. In the dry, hot climate of Southern Nevada, it's not uncommon to see cracks in your tires after three years.
Daniel Griffith, owner of Wally's Precision Auto Care, says to inspect your vehicle often
"If you walk out to your tire any time — your garage, driveway, a parking lot at work, if you see cracking on the sidewall — that’s a dead giveaway that a blowout is imminent if you keep driving on that tire," Griffith said.
Griffith also suggests checking your car battery to ensure there is a plastic or rubber cover over the positive post. Any metal that comes into contact with the terminal could spark a fire.
"We've seen that literally burn cars all the way down," Griffith said.
He also adds that every vehicle should have a "metal tie-down" that will keep the battery secured in place. If it's not securely fastened, the battery can rattle around, possibly causing the positive post to come into contact with metal inside the engine and possibly start a fire.
"We've seen older vehicles that have the metal hood props," Griffith said. "It's as simple as the clip falling off of that, and causing a spark."
