Summer Driving Tips. The warmest season has arrived, and Canadians are all set to enjoy it. Whether you are going to the beach, a cottage, or a family holiday, drive cautiously because there will be more automobiles on the road now. Summertime implies holiday travel for many of us, which means more time spent outside, such as summer road trips, more evening and weekend activities, no school for children, and longer hours of sunlight.
The usual cold-weather challenges to vehicle safety are snow, rain, and ice, but summer presents its own set of hazards. Construction, sun glare, and unexpected weather conditions all contribute to the heightened risk for drivers. While many folks feel that careful driving is more vital during winter, the truth is that numerous accidents happen during spring and summer, when temperatures and road conditions are at their finest.
Summer is the ideal time for a lengthy road vacation. So, here are some helpful pointers for your vacation. Prevention and preparedness may require some time upfront, but they will save you from dealing with the repercussions of a breakdown or, worse, a traffic accident afterward. Stay safe on the road this summer. Consider these suggestions to prevent hot weather dangers and ensure a smooth summer driving experience.
Summer Driving Tips
- Get ready for warm weather. Summer breakdowns can be caused by excessive heat. Examine the radiator, pressure cap, belts, and hoses to ensure they are in excellent condition and free of blisters, splits, or cuts in the rubber.
- Hydrate your vehicle. Inspect your automobile’s fluid levels, brakes, automatic transmission, power steering, windshield washer, and coolant to keep it hydrated. Ensure every reservoir is filled, and if you notice any indication of fluid leakage, have your car serviced.
- Drive slowly. Summertime merely increases the burden on your car, so driving at excessive speeds might wear it down even more. Drive within the speed limit to decrease vehicle wear while practicing safe driving habits too.
- Be cautious of the glare. The sun will make it tough to see what’s ahead in your rearview mirrors or windows. Ensure that you aren’t following other automobiles too closely. Allow for unexpected merging or braking. Use sunglasses and the driver’s seat visor to your advantage.
- Examine your air conditioning. Before leaving for your trip, examine the performance of your air conditioner. When there is no air conditioning on a hot summer day, individuals in poor health or are hypersensitive to heat, such as youngsters and seniors, may suffer.
- Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If your automobile’s temperature gauge begins to climb out of control, you should seek assistance since your engine is in danger of overheating. If you can’t get to a shop swiftly, consider switching on your vehicle’s heater. This will transfer some heat away from the engine and maybe spare it from failure. If the temperature gauge is in or near the red zone, you must pull over because your engine has overheated.
- Do not drink and drive. It’s simple: don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. While summer is a great time for picnics and patios, you should never drive after drinking. Plan in advance time, have a designated driver, take a cab to your intended location, or stay over if necessary. Always remember that drinking and driving is never an option.
- Be mindful of weather forecasts. Summer weather patterns in your area may include thunderstorms, downpours resulting in flash flooding, tornadoes, and more. These frequently occur with little to no warning, so be sure you’re aware of the weather forecast for the area you’re driving in each day, and check in occasionally to ensure nothing has changed.
- Clean your windshield. Replace damaged wiper blades and clean any clutter both inside and out.
- Remember to get your oil changed. Oil changes are essential for all-year upkeep. However, clean oil is especially critical in the summer. The oil prevents overheating and safely lubricates moving elements in your car.
- Check the tires. Tires are one of the leading causes of vehicle failures. Therefore, ensure that every tire, including the spare, has adequate air pressure. Fill each tire to the automobile maker’s suggested inflation pressure. This is indicated in your owner’s manual and on a plaque on the driver’s side door frame.
- Check the battery. Extreme heat can be just as damaging to your vehicle’s battery as extreme cold. As a result, examine the battery life and check the batteries and battery connectors. If your battery is over three years old, have an expert inspect and replace it.
- Examine your lighting. Check the operation of your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. If you have children, teach them about road safety by incorporating them into the process.
- Brake checks. Winter weather wears down your automobile’s brakes, so you must be attentive in ensuring they are ready for spring and summer.
- Watch out for more than just automobiles. During summer, drivers have to share the road with much more than other automobiles. Good weather and longer days bring considerably more tractors, caravans, cyclists, and hikers. As a result, it’s critical to stay vigilant when traveling along country roads, especially when overtaking, to minimize any hazards that could lead to an accident. Motorcyclists emerge more frequently. Hence, glance twice to guarantee you know what is around you.
- Don’t be distracted. There are numerous things you can do during summer. Thus, your friends and relatives might text and call you to check whether you’re coming. Set the phone aside. Avoid looking away from the road to touch up your makeup or adjust your hair. To prevent an accident, put aside non-driving activities until you are securely parked.
- Make sure you have enough rest. Always refrain from driving whenever you are tired, especially during the summer when the heat and sun can cause drowsiness.
- Safety of kids and pets. To keep your kids safely buckled in their car seats, follow the instructions that come with each one. The same applies to your pets. Ensure they don’t wander off inside the car. Children and pets should never be left alone in a car, even if the air conditioning is on full blast and the motor is running. Cars can get quite hot in the summer and are susceptible to heatstroke.
- Bring a roadside emergency supply kit. Whether you make your kit or purchase one that has already been put together, it should contain a few necessities like flashlights, water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, and a functioning phone charger.
- Clean out your vehicle. When the temperature inside your automobile approaches the triple digits, components that were once OK may melt or explode in the summer heat. Batteries, aerosol cans, and disposable lighters can pose safety risks in a warm vehicle. Additionally, be cautious with messy products like chocolate and crayons.
Traveling during summertime, particularly in extreme heat, can present significant difficulties and threats to the well-being and security of travelers and passersby. To ensure your safety and comfort while driving this summer. We have put together this list of summer driving advice. We sincerely hope these suggestions will enable you to arrive at your destination on your journey without incident.
If you feel your automobile won’t be able to handle the heat this summer, perhaps we can assist in finding you a replacement! You can get assistance from Edmonton Auto Loans. We can help you with the financing of your brand-new vehicle. Through our online application, you can secure a car from the safety of your home, and we’ll transport it right to your door. Get pre-approved here today! We’ll ensure you get into the car that’s ideal for your summertime road trip. Therefore, don’t hesitate and rely on our service. We can help you no matter where you are in Edmonton!