Arizona heat hard on vehicle

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Grace Lee
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona --  It's that time of year again when most Arizona vehicle owners put up their sunshades to protect their vehicle's interior from the heat, but this will do little to protect the vehicle's engine parts and tires.

"With the extreme heat in Arizona, the main areas of the car that are usually affected are the tires and battery," said Don Harris, the Auto Hobby Shop manager. "With the heat conditions here, batteries last an average of two to three years and tires wear out a lot faster due to the tires' temperature increasing with each rotation, wearing out the rubber quicker."

The tire's age, amount of tread and improper tire pressure are additional factors that can increase the chances of the tire coming off the vehicle while driving, Harris said.

Aged tires combined with the Arizona heat can lead to dry rot.

"Normally, what causes tires to fly off a vehicle is dry rot," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Mavrakis, 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety NCO-in-charge. "Indications of dry rotted tires include little cracks along the sidewalls and tread of the tires. You would commonly see this with tires that are three to four years old. That is why it is important to change out your tires when necessary and inspect them regularly."
Often overlooked, spare tires should also be checked.

"Another part you should inspect is your spare tire, because those can rot as well, especially if they are in the trunk," Mavrakis said. "I would recommend changing your spare tire every two years."
One should take precaution in the event of a blowout.

"If you are in a situation where your tire has a blowout, remember to pump the brake and not slam it or else you can risk losing control of your vehicle or even worse, flipping it," Mavrakis said.

Other areas of the vehicle that wear out quickly are any rubber or plastic components of the vehicle, such as heating and cooling system hoses, air conditioning hose, power steering hose, belts and more, Harris said.

Each vehicle has its own timeline for maintenance, so it's recommended to read the vehicle owner's manual for additional information.

"Make sure to read the owner's manual, which indicates when to do certain maintenance actions, the type of oil your vehicle requires and more," Harris said.

Mavrakis recommends taking one's vehicle to a professional regularly.

"I would have your car inspected by a professional during every oil change," Mavrakis said. "Preventive maintenance is always a good thing."

If assistance with vehicle maintenance is needed, the Luke Air Force Base Auto Hobby Shop is here to help.

"We offer full-service auto repair and do-it-yourself assistance," Harris said. "We are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. If you have concerns about your vehicle, give us a call at 623-856-6107."