Everyone loves getting outside in the summer, enjoying the weather, visiting friends, cycling, walking, and travelling. For drivers, this means being mindful of more potential hazards on the road and contending with the strain the summer heat puts on their vehicles.
Summer driving safety is all about maintaining your vehicle and staying alert and present while behind the wheel. This Race Auto Group guide will provide essential tips to help you ensure the safety of yourself and those around you as you drive this summer.
Schedule an Oil Change and Inspection
Summer is not the season to fall behind on oil changes, tune-ups, battery checks, tire rotations, and vehicle inspections. Check your fluids regularly and ensure you have the engine oil and coolant you need to safely support engine performance.
Perform Your Own Safety Checks and Vehicle Maintenance
There are several vehicle maintenance checks that can easily be performed on your own. You can check your tire pressure, the quality of your wiper blades, and the state of your exterior lights. If you notice any of these areas lacking, they’re inexpensive fixes that any vehicle owner can quickly do.
Check Your Brake Fluids and Have Your Brake Pads Inspected
It’s always important to ensure that your brakes are in good condition for summer driving safety. Have a professional mechanic run a thorough brake maintenance check. Worn-out brake pads can be replaced, and low brake fluid can be topped up quickly and easily. These are vital components for safe driving in the summer.
Check Your Tire Pressure Throughout the Summer
Extreme heat will elevate tire pressure which increases the risk of a blowout. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it remains within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
Stay Hydrated to Increase Driver Alertness
Stay hydrated, and keep a bottle of water near you while you drive. Always avoid driving if you feel drained or fatigued. If needed, take a break, stretch your legs or find somewhere to rest and return to driving when you feel you are safe to do so.
Never Leave a Pet or Child in Your Car Unattended
It is shocking how quickly temperatures can rise inside a parked car. Child safety precautions are a must; even a few short minutes of being in a parked car on a hot day can cause heatstroke. Never leave a pet, child, or anyone unattended in a parked car.
Plan Longer Trips in Advance
For summer driving safety, before leaving on long trips or driving through places you aren’t familiar with, check road conditions, look at weather predictions, and monitor traffic to ensure you’re taking the best route. Allow yourself plenty of time to get from A to B to avoid unnecessary stress and potentially dangerous situations.
Be Extra Cautious in Residential Areas
More people are out in the summertime, including families with kids that are not always easy to see. Be extra aware when driving through residential neighbourhoods or on busy main streets to minimize the risk of a collision with either a pedestrian or another vehicle.
Pack an Emergency Safety Kit
In case there is a breakdown, stay prepared with a well-packed car safety kit. Be sure to keep in your vehicle the following:
- First Aid Kit.
- A portable battery and charging cable for your smartphone.
- Flashlight.
- Jumper cables.
- Tire pressure gauge.
- Work gloves.
- Essential tools.
- Bottled water.
Try to Avoid Road Trips That Involve Night Driving
To stay alert and safe on the road this summer, limit nighttime driving. There are thousands of motor vehicle accidents every year due to fatigue at the wheel. If you do drive at night, be sure to have someone else in the car with you that you can switch with if you start feeling tired.
Don’t Let Packing Block Visibility
If you are packing a lot of supplies or equipment, be sure that none of it is blocking windows or your rearview perspective. For the sake of summer driving safety, you should always maintain full visibility around your entire vehicle.
Pre-Owned Cars From Race Auto Group Come Safety-Certified
When you buy a pre-owned car from Race Auto Group, you can rest easy knowing that our best mechanics have inspected it, made any necessary repairs, and that it comes safety-certified and ready for your next summer travel trip. All that’s left for you to do is pack up and go in a quality used vehicle from Race Auto Group!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about summer driving safety and staying comfortable in the heat.
What should I not keep in my car on a hot day?
Make it a point to avoid keeping any cooling sprays, sunscreens, and perfumes containing flammable components in your car during summer. Do not keep any aerosol cans inside a hot vehicle as they can explode or electronic devices whose components can melt in the scorching heat temperatures.
Can I still drive my vehicle when the summer heat is at its worst?
If your car is properly maintained, it should work fine. However, be aware of the heat. It can put a strain on worn tires or potentially burn out an engine if it’s not receiving enough coolant. Be particularly careful when driving for long periods.
Are there extra precautions to take for a long summer road trip in hot weather?
With regards to long road trips, pack extra water and emergency supplies in case of a breakdown. Be aware that you may end up fatigued due to the heat, so take regular breaks. Also, perform an oil change and a multi-point inspection prior to a road trip to ensure your car is in working order and not at risk of breaking down on the road.