COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As temperatures continue climbing into the triple digits, local fire officials and mechanics are reminding drivers that extreme heat can put added stress on vehicles, increasing the risk of breakdowns and even fires.
Vehicle fires are a common emergency response during the summer months. According to CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, crews respond to hundreds of vehicle fires across Riverside County each year, with many incidents occurring along Interstate 10 and other major roadways.
Mechanics say the desert’s extreme heat places additional strain on cooling systems, batteries, belts, hoses and tires. Problems that might otherwise be minor can quickly become more serious during prolonged periods of extreme heat, making routine vehicle maintenance especially important…