PHOENIX — After enduring months of intense summer heat in Arizona, it's finally starting to feel like fall. The change in temperatures means it's time to be mindful of your vehicle's health to avoid getting stuck on the side of the road.
On this Money Saving Monday, we’re sharing the top fall fixes your car may need to save you time and money on major repairs down the road.
AAA responded to nearly 800,000 roadside service calls across the country during one of the busiest periods of the year, and several of those calls were due to heat-related issues like battery and tire failures.
"Even if you didn't have a breakdown then, some of your cars… (are) probably at their limit now," said Julian Paredes of AAA Arizona.
The numbers are proof that the extreme heat can take a toll on our vehicles.
The extreme heat shortens the service life of many essential components, and when you consider the extra strain from summer road trips, Paredes says vehicles are likely at their limit now that the cooler months are here.
“That's why we really recommend people go to a mechanic right now," said Paredes.
AAA Arizona vehicle technicians recommend specific fall fixes, starting with your car battery.
“The normal car battery lasts maybe 3-5 years,” Paredes said. “It's not going to last nearly as long in Arizona."
Heat significantly shortens a car battery's life, reducing it to as low as two years. A struggling engine start, vehicle warning lights, odd smells, or corrosion on the battery terminals are all signs of a failing battery.
Next – your tires, belts, and hoses.
"Unless you're an expert, you definitely want to get an expert checking out those components,” said Paredes. “Some of them are really hard to see and not always obvious if there's a problem."
Hot pavement causes tires to bulge, dry out, and rot, increasing the risk of tire blowouts, while belts and hoses can crack. So, be sure to have the rubber components inspected for cracks, listen for noises, and monitor the tire tread depth.
And finally, the vehicle fluids.
“Everybody is pretty good about replacing their oil, but your brake fluid, your transmission fluid, coolant, they all have a lifespan," he said.
And they're all essential for your vehicle's performance. You don't want those fluids to boil or evaporate, leading to potential damage, so keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge and top off those fluids as needed.
Paredes says the last thing you want to hear from the mechanic is that a $50 fix turned into a $500 breakdown.
“That's why it's important that you get ahead of these issues before they happen," he said.
If you have any Money Saving Monday ideas you would like us to cover, just email us at money@12news.com.
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