ALT-1 Hot Weather Driving Tips
Driving in hot weather can be safe and pleasant if you’re prepared for it. Some sensible tips could help you avoid summer heat-related problems on the road.1. At least a week before you start your trip, take your car to an auto shop for a thorough inspection and necessary maintenance of the entire vehicle. You don’t want to be stranded on the highway on an August noon with a burned-out engine or flat tire.2. Plan your drive for late night to pre-dawn. The air will be much cooler and there will be less traffic on the road. With your windows slightly open, you won’t need fuel-consuming air conditioning. Make sure you get plenty of rest before your night driving, so you don’t become lulled into drowsiness and careless of road safety.3. Never leave a child or pet in a locked, totally closed-up car, even if you expect to be away for just a few minutes. Don’t depend on slightly-open the windows to let in enough fresh air. If you leave with the engine running and the air conditioner on, they could suddenly quit.If the outside air temperatures are over 80 degrees, the inside could go up to a deadly 100 and beyond, and within five minutes, the heat could be fatal to a small child or pet.4. Take some rest time. Stop at least once every two hours to relax, snack and drink water. On a long drive, find a quiet place to nap in a shaded, secure rest area. Driving long stretches in hot weather can cause fatigue, eye strain and slow down reflexes necessary for quick decisions in traffic.5. When your summer road trip will be four hours or more, take some ueseful items, especially water, food and a first aid kit. An ice chest with several bottles of water, juices, fresh fruit, cut raw vegetables and other snack items can be very useful when you’re driving with children.6. For a long summer road trip, take the latest electronics devices. If your car doesn’t have a built-in global positioning system, buy an inexpensive portable one. Have your fully-charged cell phone handy at all times. If your trip will be overnight, be sure to charge it when necessary.6. Be observant at all times, both inside and outside of your vehicle. Follow all traffic rules and respect other drivers, and also periodically check your car’s engine and electrical system’s warning lights. If you see or smell a problem, such as a smoking or steaming engine, pull as far off the highway as you can, and call 9-1-1 for help. If you have them, put out warning blinkers beside the car without actually obstructing traffic with your car or by standing in a driving lane.7. Don’t make hot weather problems worse by ignoring common sense precautions. For example, excessive speeding is not only an unnecessary risk, but can be damaging to your car’s engine and tires.
Know your car’s limits and stay within them. If you do, you’ll both come home in good shape and ready for the next summer adventure.
