Page 7 - Desert Lightning News 8-14-15

Desert Lightning News August 14, 2015 7

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Arizona heat hard on vehicle

Senior Airman Grace Lee

56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona -- It’s that time of year again when most Don Harris, Luke Air Force Base Auto Hobby Shop manager, raises a vehicle using a vehicle lift at
Arizona vehicle owners put up their sunshades to protect their vehicle’s interior the auto hobby shop. The shop offers full-service auto repair, as well as do-it-yourself assistance.
from the heat, but this will do little to protect the vehicle’s engine parts and tires.
vehicle or even worse, flipping it,” Mavrakis said.
“With the extreme heat in Arizona, the main areas of the car that are Other areas of the vehicle that wear out quickly are any rubber or plastic
usually affected are the tires and battery,” said Don Harris, the Auto Hobby
Shop manager. “With the heat conditions here, batteries last an average of components of the vehicle, such as heating and cooling system hoses, air
two to three years and tires wear out a lot faster due to the tires’ tempera- conditioning hose, power steering hose, belts and more, Harris said.
ture increasing with each rotation, wearing out the rubber quicker.”
Each vehicle has its own timeline for maintenance, so it’s recommended
The tire’s age, amount of tread and improper tire pressure are addition- to read the vehicle owner’s manual for additional information.
al factors that can increase the chances of the tire coming off the vehicle
while driving, Harris said. “Make sure to read the owner’s manual, which indicates when to do certain
maintenance actions, the type of oil your vehicle requires and more,” Harris said.
Aged tires combined with the Arizona heat can lead to dry rot.
“Normally, what causes tires to fly off a vehicle is dry rot,” said Tech. Sgt. Mi- Mavrakis recommends taking one’s vehicle to a professional regularly.
chael Mavrakis, 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety NCO-in-charge. “Indications of “I would have your car inspected by a professional during every oil
dry rotted tires include little cracks along the sidewalls and tread of the tires. You change,” Mavrakis said. “Preventive maintenance is always a good thing.”
would commonly see this with tires that are three to four years old. That is why it If assistance with vehicle maintenance is needed, the Luke Air Force
is important to change out your tires when necessary and inspect them regularly.” Base Auto Hobby Shop is here to help.
Often overlooked, spare tires should also be checked. “We offer full-service auto repair and do-it-yourself assistance,” Harris
“Another part you should inspect is your spare tire, because those can said. “We are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. If you have
rot as well, especially if they are in the trunk,” Mavrakis said. “I would rec- concerns about your vehicle, give us a call at 623-856-6107.”
ommend changing your spare tire every two years.”
One should take precaution in the event of a blowout.
“If you are in a situation where your tire has a blowout, remember to
pump the brake and not slam it or else you can risk losing control of your