Here you can get Summer Driving Safety Tips.
You might expect summer to be the easiest time of the year for driving, but do not be misled into thinking that there are no special hazards when the weather is warmer. As well as the special road conditions which can occur in summer, you should bear in mind that driving is more tiring on a bright day. Sunglasses are essential to reduce the strain on your eyes. Heat and the sun’s glare also make you feel more sleepy, so stop to rest your eyes if you feel that your concentration and alertness start to suffer.
1. Check Your Battery
Car batteries can be damaged during extreme heat, as constant heat and vibration can cause the battery to suffer an indoor breakdown and eventually lead to failure. Although hot weather is unavoidable, you’ll protect your battery by ensuring it’s securely attached to stop vibration.
Battery fluid also evaporates faster when it’s exposed to high temperatures, which can lead to corrosion on terminals and connections. to stop this, clean any corrosive substances on the battery terminals and cable clamps. this may make sure the clamps are tight enough to prevent them from moving. Any battery that’s three or more years old should even be tested by an auto technician to work out what proportion longer it’s expected to last.
2. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Cooling System
Summer heat puts extra pressure on vehicle engines. For this reason, have a technician check your cooling system to make sure it can protect your engine from overheating. If you neglect to take care of the cooling system, it can cause wear and corrosion on your engine, eventually resulting in long-term damage and breakdowns.
Rubber cooling system parts also can deteriorate when exposed to extreme heat. when you have your vehicle serviced, have the drive belts checked for cracking, soft spots or signs of deterioration. Worn parts have a higher chance of failure in hot conditions and will be replaced. Check the owner’s manual to work out recommended intervals for your vehicle to be serviced and inspected.
3. Avoid Driving on Excessively Hot Roads
As the rising temperatures cause roads to become hotter, you ought to check the pressure of your tires to form sure they’re not under-inflated. this could be a major concern, as under-inflated tires can overheat and increase the chances of a blowout during summer months.
This summer, find out how to see inspect your tires for correct pressure and depth and wear of the tread which may be a symbol of a suspension or alignment problems.
4. Make Sure Your Vehicle Has Plenty of Fluids
Engine fluids are essential to keeping your vehicle running. These fluids lubricate your vehicle’s parts and act as a coolant by carrying heat faraway from important parts. High summer temperatures will evaporate your vehicle’s fluid levels and reduce their cooling effect, which results in overheating.
You should check all of your vehicle’s fluids, including:
- Motor oil
- Transmission fluid
- power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
These should be completely filled. If they have to get replaced , make certain to see your owner’s manual to form sure you’re using the proper type of fluid.
5. Avoid Sun Glare
Impaired vision from the sun may be a common cause of accidents during the summer. Replace worn windscreen wipers to assist keep your windscreen clean, and use sunglasses and overhead sun visors to assist block out the sun from your eyes.
Windscreens also get very dirty in dry weather and marks can amplify sun glare. many windscreen washer fluid will assist you maintain a clear view within the sun – especially when travelling when the sun is low within the sky, typically during your commute.
6. Look out for more than just cars
Drivers need to share the roads with tons more than just other cars during the summer months. Better weather and longer days attract far more tractors, caravans, horse riders, cyclists and walkers.
It’s vital to stay alert when driving along country lanes in particular, and to avoid any risks when overtaking that would cause an accident. Motorcyclists appear more often too, so always look twice to make sure you’re aware of what’s around you.
7. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Air Conditioning System
Having a cool environment is important to protecting you from extreme temperatures and staying safe during heat waves. Make sure your air con system is correctly maintained to adequately cool down your vehicle’s interior. this may protect you and your passengers from dangerous temperature levels which will cause heat stroke and dehydration.
If you notice the air con system isn’t working also as it should, it’s going to mean the refrigerant level is low. Contact a licensed technician to conduct any necessary repairs as soon as possible. Many new-model vehicles are equipped with a cabin filter that prevents outside debris from entering the vehicle’s interior. If your car contains this feature, you ought to have it inspected and replaced as needed to ensure maximum airflow and cooling during the summer months.
8. Be Prepared for Breakdowns
Even if you take care of your vehicle, there is still a chance it may breakdown. You should be prepared for this possibility by having an emergency kit containing these recommended items:
- Water
- Non-perishable food items
- Jumper cables
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- Road flares
- Emergency beacon
- Basic hand tools
- First aid kit
Your vehicle should also always have a spare tire and the tools needed to quickly change a blown-out tire on the side of the road.
9. Consider Summer Allergies
There are many who suffer from hay fever, which can making driving a very risky task. While hay fever tablets are easily available, they have side effects such as blurred vision and drowsiness, which could lead to high risk on the road. Therefore, always make sure to check the label of the medicines to ensure you’re not at risk even after consuming the tablets.
10. Summer rain
Although it does not usually last long, a summer shower or thunderstorm can be very heavy. If your windscreen wipers have trouble coping with the deluge, it may be wise to stop the car somewhere safely off the road and wait for the rain to ease off. Rain can fall so quickly that large puddles can form at the edge of the road, perhaps where drains are blocked; in this case, slow right down to a pace which allows you to cope if suddenly faced with several inches of water under your nearside wheels. Again, it might be sensible to stop until the rain passes and you can see properly. With visibility and tyre adhesion already reduced, there is a high risk of running off the road, or even of someone less careful than yourself running into your car.
The high humidity which accompanies summer thunderstorms can make the windows of your car mist up very quickly. Use the heated rear window and windscreen demister to keep the glass clear, and if necessary open two diagonally opposite side windows to let a draught of air through the car. Rain may come through open windows, of course, but a little discomfort is preferable to the danger of trying to drive while peering through steamed-up glass.
