Gone are the winds that were beautiful and flowery of late spring. Summer is here! Adjusting to the summer heat is a challenge for most individuals as we get accustomed to the rise in temperature.
While we can adjust their routines and work patterns according to the needs of the season, the engine inside our vehicles needs to be prepared accordingly.
Follow these driving tips during summer to reduce the chances of accidents or emergencies from occurring:
Keep Your Car Cool
A heated radiator is one of the most common problems experienced by people in the summer season. You should try to keep your car cool when parked so you don’t have a heated radiator when you next turn on your engine.
For starters, consider parking your car under some shade during hot days so that the engine gets time to cool down and that the car itself is not sizzling hot when you return. With the latest car technology, you can set the cabin temperature to your preference before setting foot inside the car.
Top Up Fluids
Car engines can get extremely hot during the summer season. This can especially happen in standstill traffic, as you have your AC on and exert extra pressure in an idle position.
We all know what can happen when your car’s engine runs out of fluids. The engine can turn dry in no time during the summer season and would soon collapse under the extra load without any lubrication. There are additional chances of a collision when driving your car and the engine turns off because of improper lubrication. So, be sure to check the fluids in your car before your next road trip.
Keep Car Hydrated
Besides ensuring that the car is kept cool and parked in the shade, you should also ensure that the radiator is well-hydrated.
Lack of water in the radiator can lead to multiple heating problems in your car. Once your vehicle heats up, it will be difficult for you to reach an easy solution. A radiator can heat up because of multiple reasons.
Listed below are the most common reasons why your vehicle may heat up and the needle tilts toward hot:
- You have a failing head gasket in your car. Your head gasket is responsible for distinguishing between engine fluids and the water running through your radiator hoses and the radiator itself. The head gasket ensures your vehicle is kept running without any water leakages. If the head gasket turns weak, bubbles will form inside your radiator water, indicating air mixing with the water inside the radiator.
- A leak in one of the radiator pipes can also cause a heating radiator. Once the water starts leaking, the radiator will turn dry every couple of days. A dry radiator can cause multiple problems, including heating in the engine.
Avoid Sun Glare
One of the most common causes of summer accidents is caused by direct glare from the sun. The summer sun is stronger than the winter sun, as clouds don’t block it, and it shines in full glory.
The glare from the setting summer sun can cause many accidents during this season. Most people do not look after their sunscreen and sun visors, which is why the sun glare can lead to an accident.
Before leaving your home in your car, ensure you have sunglasses on you and check the windshield fluid. The windshield fluid should be at optimal levels so you can clean the windscreen whenever you feel that your vision is impaired with the sun shining in full glory in the background.
Also, you should ensure that the overhead sun visors are conveniently placed and rotatable to safeguard you from direct exposure to the sun.
Dirt marks on the windshield can also amplify damage during the summer season. The spots and blotches on the screen become much more visible and can impair your vision of the road. So, it would be best if you replace worn windshield wipers so that the windshield can conveniently be cleaned when necessary.
Maintain Tires
Tire blowouts are extremely common during hotter weather. Hotter temperatures and roads make life difficult for tires, especially if they have suffered extensive damage from the years gone by.
According to experts, tires that have suffered existing damage are prone to suffer from blowouts and punctures during the summer season. The rising temperature during the summer season almost always leads to hotter roads. Once the roads get hot, your tires will go through extensive damage. Have your tires checked by an experienced professional before the summer season starts to ensure you won’t experience any troubles this season.
Drive Carefully in Heavier Traffic
Stats and data from relevant authorities have indicated that traffic is higher during the summer. With more traffic, you must drive your car carefully and defensively. There will be a lot more vehicles on the road now that it’s summer.
In conclusion, summer is a great time to get out and enjoy the sunshine. But it’s also important to remember to drive safely by avoiding distractions, buckling up, and taking regular breaks during long trips. It’s also essential to check your vehicle before heading out on the road and ensure it’s in good working order. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can ensure everyone stays safe while enjoying their summer travels.
