Tips for Summer Driving
When that time of year comes around again, people hit the highway in droves. What is this magical time of year? It is summer time and people wait all year long for it to roll around. Summer break is when people take vacation from work and the kids are out of school. They pack up the family and head for amusement parks, campgrounds and other fun destinations.
There are only two potential problems with traveling during the summer. The first is whether or not your vehicle is up to the task. Hot and dry conditions can greatly affect the way your vehicle performs. This is why it is crucial to thoroughlyinspectyour vehicle before you even think of pulling out of your driveway. If you are not mechanically savvy, then take your car in to your professional mechanic for an inspection.
Tires
Proper inflation and tread wear are two important things to pay attention to when driving in the summer time and the rest of the year. Improperly inflated tires can ruin your fuel economy as well as cause the car to handle incorrectly, potentially leading to an accident. Check the air pressure in your tires when they are "cool" before you start driving that day. If you are unsure about the correct tire pressure, take your vehicle to a professional tire shop.
Tires with wires showing or flat, "bald" spots can potentially go flat while you are driving down the road. If you notice one or more of your tires with either of these problems, have them changed for better tires. Tires are expensive but so are car repairs and hospital bills.
Brakes
Check your brake pads and shoes. Usually you will notice a difference in the stopping power when the brakes are needing to be replaced. If you are unsure about how to check or change your brakes, have a professional do it for you. It is very important to have the ability to stop when you are driving anywhere.
Belts
Check all of your vehicle's belts for signs of fraying or worn spots. All it takes is the wrong belt snapping and your car is out of commission until it is fixed. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the correct belt style and size before purchasing a new one.
Belts have to do with the electrical components and if a belt breaks, part of the that system stops working. For example if the alternator belt snaps, the alternator will quit working. When this happens, your car is only running off the battery and that will not last very long.
Hoses
Check hoses for signs of leaking and worn spots. Also, look for bulging areas on hoses. None of these things are a good sign on a hose. Hoses are what keep fluids cycling through the vehicle system and when there is a bad hose, the system does not cycle properly. This can lead to a car overheating due to blockage or loss of fluid due to leaks.
Radiator
Check for leaks in your radiator and cooling system. It is a good idea to flush the cooling system before heading out on a summer excursion.
Engine
Check your oil and have it changed if it needs it. Checks for signs of gasket leaks. Also check your spark plugs and wires. If the plugs look black and burnt, it is time to replace them.
Transmission
Check your transmission fluid and look for signs of leaking. You do not want the transmission to go out on you while you are traveling in the heat of the summer! If the transmission goes out, your car won't move.
Your vehicle is very important when it comes to driving anywhere safely. However, there is another factor to consider and that is you. This brings about the second potential problem with summertime travel. As the driver, you must take care of yourself to ensure thesafetyof yourself, your passengers and other motorists. This is especially important during extreme weather conditions like heat.
Hydration
It is so important to drink plenty of fluids like water when out on the road during the summer heat. This may cause more frequent stops. but that is not so bad either. Frequent stops mean you can get out and stretch.
If you allow yourself to becomedehydrated, you open yourself up to a host of other problems like dry mouth, irritability, dry skin and sunken eyes. These symptoms are for mild to moderate dehydration. It gets worse from there. Keep plenty of water readily available.
Alertness
You can become somewhat drowsy while driving long distances in the heat of the day or the cooler evenings. If you start to feel sleepy, stop the car at the next safe area and get out. Stretch and walk around your car; this can be a good opportunity to check your tires again. Splash some cool water on your face and maybe even try jumping up and down a few times. If you are traveling with other drivers in the car, and are too tired to continue driving, ask one of them to take over so you can rest.
It is extremely dangerous to doze off while driving down the road, even for a second. Some people may know that they are really sleepy, but will insist on pushing themselves to get to where they are going to stop for the night. It is fine to want to reach your destination, however it is best if you do it in your car instead of an ambulance.
Comfort
Before you hit the road, make sure your seat is adjusted for maximum comfort. When people become uncomfortable, they tend to shift in their seats and this can be a potential hazard for a driver. Another comfort factor is the air conditioning which should be set at a pleasant setting but not too cold. If you do not have air conditioning in your vehicle, then choose a time of day when it is not so hot.
Another side to being comfortable while driving is being able to reach the pedals and gear shift (if applicable) without serious strain. Prolonged driving in uncomfortable positions can cause muscle aches and possibly even spasms. If you cannot move the seat to a comfortable position to reach pedals and gear shift, then do not attempt to drive the vehicle until that has been fixed.
Free of distractions
Distractions are one of the biggest causes of driving accidents, aside from drugs and alcohol. If your cell phone rings while you are driving, let it go to voicemail! Under no circumstances should you text while driving, whether it is illegal in your state or not, it is dangerous. The best thing to do is pretend that your phone does not exist while you're driving. Another major distraction can be playing with the car stereo. Set the dial to a station you can live with before you hit the road. Also be sure that the music is not playing so loud that you cannot hear what is going on around you.
One more distraction can be the passengers in your car. Whether it is your kids playing in the backseat or friends laughing loudly and having a good time, they can distract your attention from traffic. Ask all passengers to try and keep the noise down to a dull roar so that you can concentrate.
These are just some things to keep in mind before and during summer road trips. Summer time is a great time for hitting the highway in search of a little fun in the sun, be sure that you and your vehicle are prepared to handle the drive time.
