Summer Heat Puts Cars At Risk

Millions of Americans are gearing up for summer travel.
But as temperatures soar into triple digits, staying safe on the road is more important than ever.
Auto experts are warning drivers to get their vehicles checked before heading out.
Mario from Next Level Smog in Palm Desert says extreme heat can damage key parts of your car.
Worn shocks or struts can cause your car to sag, making it unsafe.
He adds that plastic components under the hood—common in luxury vehicles—can warp or crack in the heat.
High temps can also cause tires to separate more easily.
That’s why Mario advises drivers to check their tires, fluids, brakes, air conditioning, and battery health.
Even small issues, if ignored, could lead to costly repairs.
One overheated engine he showed us needed an entire head gasket replacement.
He says routine checkups now can prevent breakdowns later.
And in the desert, ignoring minor issues could mean major trouble.