Whether you have a brand-new car or one with more than a few miles on the clock, keeping it running smoothly in the Las Vegas area can be a challenge. The dusty and hot environment of the desert can accelerate wear and shorten the life of critical components. Ultraviolet radiation can destroy paint, split rubber and cause plastics to snap and crumble. The sheer heat can cause coolant to evaporate and lubricants to dry out. And the sand gets in the oil, in the fuel and through the air cleaner. To give your vehicle the best chance at a long life in the desert, and to avoid breakdowns, follow these car maintenance tips for desert-dwellers:
- Change the air filter often – The dry, desert conditions allow sand to blow everywhere, and it can quickly clog the air filter. Change your air filter often to keep as much sand out of the intake and the combustion cylinders as possible. Checking the air filter monthly and replacing every two or three months can help extend the life of your vehicle.
- Change the oil regularly – No matter how careful you are when topping off the oil, there is a good chance that particles of sand will find their way into the crankcase. To preserve the performance and service life of your vehicle, change the oil and filter more often that the manufacturer recommends, and choose an oil that is designed for warmer climates than the OEM recommendation.
- Check the tires often – The harsh sun, heat, and UV rays can quickly degrade the rubber compounds in even the highest-quality tires. Check your tires often for cracks, tread separation, leaks, and missing tread, especially before long trips on the highway. Make sure you have at least one spare and keep a tire inflator handy for run-ins with mesquite thorns, nails, or screws. Check the tire pressure at least once a week to avoid premature wear.
- Check coolant levels – The desert heat can make coolant disappear quickly, especially if you have an existing leak, like a cracked radiator hose. With the engine cold, top the coolant off regularly, and keep some extra water in the car for emergencies.
- Lubricate often – The grease in ball joints, tie-rod ends, u-joints, and other components can dry out quickly in the desert heat. Lubricate all grease fittings every few months, and check fluid levels in differentials, transfer cases, transmissions, and other systems often.
- Pack emergency supplies – Keep water, shelf-stable snacks, flashlights, and other supplies in your vehicle in case of breakdowns. Even a few hours in the sun can be quite dangerous.
Visit Valley Automall for Expert Car Maintenance in Las Vegas
Bring your vehicle to Valley Automall’s service center to get a tune-up and ensure all your vehicle’s components are running smoothly this summer.