Below is some great summer driving safety tips provided by a Houston DWI lawyer that will help you enjoy the road!
The most popular time for road trips is during the summer, and it is not hard to see why.
When there is warm weather, people tend to enjoy destinations like amusement parks more. One of the best feelings is sitting next to an open car window; then let the air hit your face and through your hair. You cannot expect to enjoy your car rides without taking good care of the car and always having safety in mind. AAA will come to rescue on both fronts.
Below are some summer driving safety tips.
Getting your car ready
Flat tires, lockouts, and dead batteries are the most common causes of breakdowns. Some of the most important tips have to do with car care because it can help in preventing many problems.
Car Batteries
The typical lifespan of car batteries is between three and five years. This is why it is common to find battery-related issues in cars that are between six and ten years. You should make an effort of having the car batteries tested when it reaches the three-year mark, and then do it annually after that. You can request a free test if you are an AAA member.
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Proper Tire Maintenance
You should make sure your tires are in the right condition because they are the only part touching the ground. You should check each tire’s inflation, tread depth, and overall condition at the beginning of every season. “Be on the lookout for bulging, cracking, or breaks,” according to John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor. Traveling at highway speeds on hot pavement can lead to blowouts which results in such damage.
Follow the manufacturer’s specifications when inflating the tires. This is the number on the doorjamb of the driver and not the number on the tires. The treads of your tires should have a depth of at least 4/32-inch. The easiest way of checking the depth of your tire is by using a quarter. Take a coin the insert it while Washington’s head is facing down. If you cannot see the top of his head, it means there is enough thread on the tires.
Engine Stress
The high temperatures of summer usually leave engines under serious stress. If you want to avoid these problems, remember the summer driving tips below;
Ensure that the cooling system of your car is ready. To do this, flush it on a regular basis using the recommended coolant from the manufacturer, and this is according to the media relations manager for AAA Northeast, Mr. Robert Sinclair.
Coolant, which is also known as antifreeze, contains anti-corrosion chemicals which are going to prevent the buildup of rust inside the engine. There are a number of things you need to do if you want the car to stand the summer driving. Some of the things you need to do is get rid of old coolant, flush the engine using fresh water then fill it up using the right mixture of water and coolant formula. You will also need to check belts and hoses.
You should never remove the cap when the radiator is hot.
Be ready
There are many traffic safety concerns that come with summer, and if you ignore them, your dreamy ride will become a nightmare. Before you hit the road, make sure you remember these safety tips.
Whether where you are going is 10 or 300 miles, there are some items you should always have on you. These items include a first aid kit, a flashlight, and extra batteries, mobile phone charger, extra snacks and foods, drinking water, booster cables, windshield wiper fluid, reflectors or emergency flares, and a basic toolkit that has an adjustable wrench and a tire pressure gauge. These items are very important, but over 40 percent of motorist usually don’t carry around these items.
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Sun glare can easily become a serious hazard. This is why it is a good idea to have a pair of sunglasses with you, and you will also look cool in them. Using polarized lenses will help in reducing glare. Your windshield is also going to be a little bit cleaner. Under strong lights, dirt, and streaks to be a little more pronounced.
Flip flops are not the right footwear for driving, save them for the beach. The flimsy soles can get caught easily by the pedals.
Are you planning an activity that involves carrying things like a cooler, surfboard or camping supplies on the roof rack of your car? You should make sure you have a look at the weight limits, and also see height restrictions on the route you plan to use.
Avoiding Distractions
If you are a parent, the children in the backseat can be distractions when they use their devices or argue with each other. It can be tempting to use your phone when driving. If it is important, find a safe place to pull over before calling or sending a text.
Always turn on your headlights in the twilight hours so that other drivers can see you more easily.
If you have kids or pets, never leave them unattended. The temperature in the can easily spike in a short period of time. The temperature outside can be 60 degrees, but you need to keep in mind that inside it can reach 110 degrees, according to NHTSA.
Road Trips
People going on long road trips usually try to make the most out of their time, and one of them is trying to get to their destination a little faster, but you should not do this at the expense of your safety. Drivers who are sleep-deprived are at a higher risk of crashing. Missing two to three hours of sleep can increase the risk by four times, while those who have has less than five hours of sleep have the same crash risks as drunk drivers.
