Hot Weather Driving Tips
Extremely hot weather is not only hard on people and animals, but also on vehicles and roadways as well. There are many important things to keep in mind whendriving when the weather is hot. This includes everything from extra preventative maintenance that should be done on a vehicle before driving for long periods in hot conditions, the importance of carrying a cell phone and having an emergency plan in the case that your vehicle should break down in an area where it may take awhile for help to arrive, and the possibility of pavement buckling in the heat all of a sudden causing road damage that could damage a vehicle and possibly even injure the operator of the vehicle.
Although some people see preventative maintenance on their vehicle as a hassle, it is very, very important to take time for it in order to stay safe. It is important to regularly check the oil, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, battery level and strength, the tire pressure of all four tires and the spare all the time, but especially in times of extreme weather, including the summer.
Under-inflated tiresare particularly prone to heat build-up, which can result in a blowout, putting the operator of a vehicle and everyone sharing the road with them at risk of serious injury or death. The recommended air pressure for a vehicle's tires is most often found on a plate or sticker inside the driver side door or in the vehicle's owner’s manual. Additionally, the vehicle's belts and hoses should be inspected at least once or twice a year and the cooling system should be flushed and refilled at least every two years to ensure a vehicle's optimum performance.
While driving, it's important to not speed, as driving faster can put increased stress on your vehicle's mechanical components and tires and also for a driver to keep checking their lights and gauges because even if fluid levels and tires were fine at the time of departure, problems can develop quickly on the road and lights and gauges can be the first alert to danger. It's also a great idea to be attentive to any changes in handling or ride that might indicate a tire problem.
If a person does run into serious vehicle problems while driving and they choose to exit the vehicle, it's important to move to asafe locationaway from traffic as standing near the roadway can create a dangerous situation for the driver and other motorists.
When leaving on a trip, short or long, it's a good idea to take along asummer travel kitthat includes plenty of water and a well charged cell phone for emergency calls. Even a short trip in extreme heat carries many of the same risks that come with longer trips in hot weather.
In addition to all of these tips, it's important to always be aware of the road surface you are driving on as the heat can have adverse effects on it such as quickly occurring pavement buckles, crumbles or holes that can get in the way of safe driving and are best to be avoided if possible. A safe and aware driver is most likely to avoid trouble from these conditions than one who is distracted or not obeying traffic laws.
