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Summer is the perfect time for road trips, visiting loved ones, or enjoying the beach. However, it's common for people to overlook their vehicles during this season due to their relaxed mindset. To ensure that your car remains roadworthy throughout the summer, it's important to take preventive measures to avoid typical car issues and accidents that occur in hot weather.
Engine Overheating
It's easy to overlook the importance of replacing the coolant in our vehicles, which can lead to overheating on hot, sunny days. To avoid this, it's best to use a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water whenever possible, and only resort to using water in emergency situations as it can cause corrosion. Regularly topping up your car's coolant will help keep it running smoothly throughout the summer season.
Increased Traffic
If you're considering a road trip right now, keep in mind that many others may have the same idea. The increased traffic can lead to a higher risk of accidents and longer waiting time for roadside assistance. Additionally, the strong sunlight can make it difficult to see, increasing the danger of collisions. To ensure your safety while driving, remain alert and frequently check your blind spots.
Failing A/C
Having a faulty air conditioning system can make any road trip during the warmer months unpleasant. Opening the windows may not provide enough relief from the heat, especially during long journeys. It's advisable to have a mechanic check the fuses and blower motor before embarking on your trip to ensure that you can stay cool and comfortable throughout the journey.
Tire Pressure
It's important to be aware that the heat can cause changes in your tire pressure. If you need to add air to your tires, most convenience stores have stations available for this purpose. During this process, it's a good idea to double check the condition of your tires to make sure they aren't balding. To do this, you can use a penny by inserting it upside down into the tire's treads, with Lincoln's head facing you. If you can see his entire head, it's a sign that it's time to replace your tires.
Running out of Gas
It may seem obvious, but during road trips, it's common to travel for long distances without encountering any gas stations for miles. To avoid any inconvenience, ensure that your gas tank is full before embarking on your journey. Don't take any chances by hoping to find a gas station before you run out of fuel, as the next one could be quite far away. Walking to the next gas station could be a daunting task, so it's best to fill up your tank before hitting the road.
Emergency Kit in the Car
It's important for everyone to have an emergency kit in their car trunk. This kit should contain road flares, a flashlight, non-perishable food, water, candles, and road maps. Even with our advanced technology, it's essential to have a paper map as a backup in case our devices fail. If you're traveling through colder areas, adding a blanket to your emergency kit is a wise decision. You never know when you might need it.
Hot Interior
We have all experienced the discomfort of getting into a car on a hot summer day and finding it extremely hot inside. The most effective way to prevent this is by parking the car in a shaded area and leaving the windows slightly open. Another option is to buy a windshield sunshade to avoid direct sunlight. Nevertheless, it is crucial to keep in mind that this can be hazardous for children and pets, and they should never be left unattended in a hot car.
Car Battery Problems
Heat "kills" batteries just as the cold does. Actually, in the summer, more car batteries die than in the winter. Make sure you know how to jump-start your car, or have look for a professional battery boost service if you become stranded.