Temperature-Related Vehicle Failures in Arizona

Extreme heat can cause vehicle components to fail, leading to dangerous breakdowns or accidents. Common issues include engine overheating, battery failure, tire blowouts, and brake malfunctions, all of which can put drivers at serious risk on the road. With Arizona’s scorching summer temperatures often exceeding 110 degrees, vehicle failures are more likely, especially on long stretches of highway where help may be miles away.

If a vehicle failure results in an accident, injured victims can contact Phoenix, Arizona car accident attorneys like Gage Mathers. Our extensive experience handling accident cases, including those caused by heat-related failures, ensures that victims receive the compensation they deserve. Whether the accident resulted from another driver’s negligence or a manufacturer’s defect, we fight to hold the responsible party accountable.

Vehicle failures can happen anywhere, but the risks are particularly high on the top-ranked deadliest roads in the US, many of which run through Arizona. In remote desert areas, accidents can be even more dangerous, as emergency response times may be longer, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.

How Arizona’s Heat Affects Vehicle Performance

While many drivers understand the dangers of speeding or reckless driving, fewer realize the hidden risks posed by high temperatures. Arizona’s climate can weaken essential vehicle components, leading to unexpected failures that cause loss of control. Here are some of the most common heat-related vehicle failures:

Engine Overheating and Battery Failures

The extreme desert heat places significant strain on a vehicle’s engine. Over time, high temperatures can cause coolant systems to fail, leading to engine overheating. When this happens, a car may break down suddenly, putting the driver and others at risk.

Additionally, high temperatures can drain car batteries, making them more likely to fail. Electrical systems may malfunction, leaving a driver unable to start their car or operate essential functions like power steering or brakes.

Tire Blowouts and Melting Issues

High-speed driving in extreme heat increases the risk of tire failures, which is one reason for the strict enforcement of speed limits in Arizona. As the temperature rises, the air inside tires expands, increasing pressure. This can lead to:

• Blowouts: Sudden tire explosions that cause immediate loss of control.
• Tire deformation: Excessive heat weakens tire rubber, causing it to soften and lose its shape.
• Loss of grip: Melting rubber can reduce traction, making it harder to stop or steer safely.

When a tire fails at high speeds, accidents can be catastrophic. On highways with heavy commercial truck traffic, such as I-40, one of the top-ranked deadliest roads in the US, tire blowouts can cause multi-vehicle collisions, endangering countless drivers.

Fluid Failures and Brake Malfunctions

Modern vehicles rely on various specialized fluids to function properly, including:

• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Hydraulic power steering fluid

In high heat, these fluids can thin out, evaporate, or leak, leading to serious mechanical failures. A loss of brake fluid can cause brake failure, making it impossible to slow down or stop, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

Regular vehicle maintenance is essential in Arizona’s extreme climate. Drivers should have their fluids checked and replaced regularly and ask mechanics to inspect hoses, seals, and hydraulic lines for signs of damage.

Who Is Responsible for Accidents Caused by Vehicle Failures?

If an accident occurs due to a temperature-related vehicle failure, determining liability can be complex. In most cases, the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident is considered at fault. However, there are exceptions:

• Manufacturer defects: If a defective part or failure to recall a known issue led to an accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be held responsible.
• Improper maintenance: If a mechanic failed to properly service a vehicle, they could be liable.
• Negligent drivers: Drivers who ignore warning signs of vehicle failure or fail to maintain their vehicles properly may be at fault if their car malfunctions and causes a crash.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a vehicle failure, whether your own or someone else’s, Gage Mathers can help you seek compensation. Our team investigates all possible causes of the crash, including mechanical failures, manufacturer negligence, and driver error, to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Gage Mathers: Fighting for Accident Victims in Arizona

Arizona drivers must remain vigilant. If you or a loved one has been injured in a temperature-related vehicle failure accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Gage Mathers, we have decades of experience handling complex accident claims, and we will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you recover the maximum amount for your injuries and losses!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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