Vehicle Safety Tips & Warnings

Battery Tips & Warnings

Tips

• Replace your battery every 2-4 years depending on heat exposure and driving habits. Las Vegas heat shortens battery life significantly.

• Check for corrosion on battery terminals every few months. White/green buildup reduces power transfer.

• Pay attention to slow cranking - it's one of the first signs a battery is weakening.

• Drive regularly. Short trips don't fully recharge your battery, especially on modern vehicles with heavy electrical loads.

Warnings

• Jump-starting a severely weak battery repeatedly can damage your alternator. If the car won't hold a charge, replace the battery.

• Never reverse jumper cables. It can cause electrical damage within seconds.

• Extreme heat kills batteries faster than cold weather - expect shorter lifespans in Las Vegas.

Tire Tips & Warnings

Tips

• Check tire pressure monthly, especially during temperature changes. Under-inflated tires cause blowouts and reduce fuel economy.

• Replace tires at 3-4/32" tread depth (or earlier if you frequently drive on highways).

• Inspect for nails or screws after driving through construction or desert areas - slow leaks often go unnoticed.

• Rotate your tires every 5,000 - 7,000 miles for even wear.

Warnings

• Driving on a flat tire for even a short distance can destroy the tire and wheel.

• Never use a spare tire as a long-term replacement. Most spares are rated for 50-70 miles only.

• Over-tightening lug nuts can damage studs, making future tire changes unsafe.

Fuel Tips & Warnings

Tips

• Avoid driving with less than 1/4 tank regularly. It reduces fuel pump stress and prevents overheating of the pump.

• Use the correct fuel grade your vehicle requires - especially for turbocharged or luxury vehicles.

Warnings

• Running out of gas on the highway is dangerous. Pull off safely and stay in the vehicle if traffic is heavy.

• Don't attempt to prime or restart a fuel-starved car repeatedly. It can damage the pump

Lockout Tips & Warnings

Tips

• Replace weak or cracked key fob batteries early. Many lockouts come from fobs dying unexpectedly.

• Keep a spare fob battery in your glove box. Most vehicles use CR2032 or CR2450.

• Know where your manual key insert is located. Many drivers don't realize their fob contains a physical key.

Warnings

• Do NOT pry against the door frame or window trim. it causes expensive damage.

• Never attempt to unlock a modern vehicle with metal coat hangers. You can tear airbags, wiring, or weather seals.

• If a child or pet is locked inside, call 911 immediately. Heat rises rapidly inside cars, especially in Nevada.

Mechanical First Aid Tips

(Temporary roadside fixes our techs can perform when possible.)

• Loose battery terminals can cause a no-start; tightening may restore power temporarily.

• Minor fuel vapor lock can be relieved by waiting and allowing the system to cool.

• Small punchers can often be plugged if the tire isn't sidewall-damaged.

• Minor sensor glitches sometimes reset by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery (only if safe for the vehicle).

Warning: These are temporary solutions to help you safely reach home or a shop - not permanent repairs.

Heat Safety Warning for Las Vegas

• Interior vehicle temperatures can exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit within minutes.

• Keep water in your car year - round.

• Heat accelerates wear on batteries, tires, belts, and hoses.

General Roadside Safety Tips

• Pull as far off the roadway as possible.

• Turn on hazard lights immediately.

• Stay inside the vehicle unless unsafe.

• Keep a flashlight in your glove box.

• Know your exact location (street name, mile marker, cross street) when calling for service.

Want to Stay Protected Year-Round?

Our Monarch Yearly Plan covers jump-starts, tire service, fuel delivery, lockouts, air fills, spare-tire changes, and more.