Its no secretLas Vegas summers are brutal. With triple-digit temperatures almost daily, your car is just as vulnerable to the extreme heat as you are.
What starts as a small issuelike a weak battery or loose wiringcan quickly escalate into a car fire in a matter of seconds.
Thats why local mechanics are urging drivers to take action now, before the next heat wave pushes your vehicle to the limit.
Shakeria Hawkins spoke to an expert to get some tips on keeping your car safe in the summer. How extreme heat could spark a fire under your hood and what you can do to prevent it
Local mechanics say wiring, fluid lines, and the battery are all parts that heat up quickly if theyre not in good shape or secured properly, meaning it could spark a fire.
How Do Electrical Fires Start?
Even something as minor as a cracked wire or an aging battery can be enough to ignite a fire during peak summer heat. Sammy Pena, owner of Sammys Auto, says the issue often comes down to poor maintenance.
Everything overheatswires, oil, power steeringyou name it, Pena said. And if the car isnt properly maintained, that heat builds up fast, and thats how cars catch on fire.
Car Fire Prevention Checklist
Want to keep your vehicle safe this summer? Here are a few key steps mechanics recommend:
Inspect wiring and connectors regularly Maintain your car battery Replace damaged or exposed wires Keep all cables secured away from hot engine parts Store a small fire extinguisher in your car
According to Pena, hes seen vehicles catch fire in under a minute once something goes wrong. He strongly recommends routine check-ups and engine bay cleanings before problems arise.
