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Heat taking a toll on vehicles

Posted at 11:38 PM, Aug 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-16 02:38:04-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As continuous Excessive Heat Warnings roll through the Las Vegas valley, it is critical to check on your vehicle’s tires.

The heat can take a big toll on them.

Flat tires are one of the top 3 calls AAA receive from members, and in Nevada, they’ll respond to over 12,000 flat tire calls through the summer.

“It's one of those calls we get all the time,” says Sergio Avila, AAA Nevada.

If your tire is under-inflated that means there's more friction between the tire and the road and that alone could not only put your car but also your life at risk.

“The worst case is you can have a blow out and your unable to gain control of your vehicle and that's obviously something you don't want to happen,” says Sergio Avila.

13 Action News stopped by Vegas Valley Fleet & Auto near the 15 and Russell where they had dozens of heat damaged tires that were once on cars.

“The cracks that you're seeing here, there is definitely from heat,” says one mechanic.

“You need to be checking those at least once a month, make sure the tire pressure is okay, check for those cracks that you were talking about on the sides or on the tire itself just to make sure it's in good shape,” says Avila.

AAA says to check tire pressure at least once a week and inspect your tires regularly to prevent a blowout.