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Five Cool Summer Driving Tips

Summer is coming. The sun is out. The weather is warmer. Driving to the grocery store doesn’t have to feel like you’re on an expedition to Alaska. All drivers rejoice! But wait. This warm season presents challenges for drivers who are not careful. We’ve compiled here a few safe summer driving tips for all drivers to keep in mind during the summer.

Check  Your Tires

You should check your tires frequently regardless of the season. During the summer, the hot weather can cause the air inside your tires to expand and your tires to subsequently blow out. Make sure you know what your owner’s manual suggests is the proper air pressure for your tires and that your tires meet those requirements. Remove snow tires, if you have them, and as the weather warms up, check the condition of your tires and make sure they’re not too worn.

Fill That Coolant If It's Too Low

On hot summer days, you’re going to want to run your car’s air conditioner so you can cool off. Most vehicles have a built-in gauge that indicates the coolant’s level so this shouldn’t be a difficult task, but people sometimes ignore until it’s too late. At the beginning of summer, you should check that your car’s coolant is at the proper level for your car to run efficiently and if not fill it up.

Test Your Car's Battery

It can be a good idea to have your car checked out by a car repair shop after the winter. There, your mechanic can test your batteries to see if they’re in good working condition. Hot weather can strain car batteries, especially if the vehicle’s battery is more than three years old. 

Be Vigilant

A good driver is always vigilant, scanning the road frequently as he drives so that he is able to react quickly to sudden changes. But sometimes even the best driver can become too lazy and too confident, especially while driving on routes that are familiar like the route to work or the gym. However, during the summer, because more teen drivers, more kids, vacationers and pedestrians are on the road, you may experience heavier traffic and more unexpected road conditions. Even familiar routes can be unreliable. So be extra cautious and try to keep abreast of festivals or fairs that might increase traffic flow.

 

Drink Water

You want to drive in your best condition. Excessive heat can dehydrate you, causing a number of symptoms like headache, moodiness and other symptoms that can impair your ability to drive safely. During the summer months, carry a few bottles of water in your vehicle just in case and before each drive have a glass of water. Keep this in mind, by the time you experience the feeling of being thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

Do you have a summer driving tip not included on this list? Let us know. We’re always looking for more tips and tricks!