Summer is here, and so is the heat. Driving in hot weather can be challenging. Here are the top 8 safe driving tips for the summer heat to keep you and your car cool.
1. Check Your Coolant Levels
First, make sure your coolant levels are adequate. This is extremely important for your car to run properly. The coolant is what helps prevents your engine from overheating. Regularly check and refill as needed. Not sure how to check your coolant level? While each vehicle is different, this handy guide from AutoZone will help explain how you can check.
2. Inspect Your Tires
Next, inspect your tires. You may be wondering, what does my tire pressure have to do with the heat? The answer is hot pavement! Hot pavement can cause tire blowouts. To prevent this, ensure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread. To check your tire tread, take a penny and stick it in between the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to
replace your tires.
3. Stay Hydrated
This one is for you the driver! Always stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle with you. Dehydration can affect your concentration and reaction time. Make sure you feel your best while driving.
4. Use Sun Shades
Use sun shades when parked. Purchasing a sun shade is a great investment for keeping your car cool and help you stay away from the dreaded burning seat belt. Sun shades, keep your car cooler and protect your interior.
5. Avoid Overloading
This next one you may not have thought of. Don’t overload your vehicle. Why? Because extra weight puts more strain on your engine. During the summer when cars are already prone to overheating, you will want to help you car prevent that as much as possible.
6. Keep Your AC in Check
7. Plan Your Trips
If you can, plan your trips to avoid peak heat times. Early mornings or late evenings will always be cooler. While you may have no control over when you drive, if you do, it can help reduce the risk of overheating.
8. Watch the Temperature Gauge
Always keep an eye on your temperature gauge! If it starts rising, pull over. This is a sign that your car is overheating. Let your car cool down before continuing. To do this, first, put your hazards on! Pull the car over and open your windows. Lastly you can try cranking the heat of your car. This pulls heat from your engine and helps cool the car down faster. There is no designated time to wait for a car to cool down but, give your vehicle at least 30-40 minutes before starting to drive again.
Don’t Forget your Defensive Driving
All these tips can help you stay safe on the road this summer but safety doesn’t stop here. You can get your defensive driving done with Comedy Defensive Driving for an easy, online experience. We want everyone to drive safely, not only in the summer but ALL THE TIME! So get your defensive driving done to freshen up on your skill set, dismiss a traffic ticket and/or lower your insurance rate. Remember to drive safely and we will see you at the next blog post!