Keep Your Tires Inflated
High temperatures can negatively affect tire pressure, so it’s important to ensure that your tires are properly inflated. When your tires are underinflated, they’re more likely to overheat in the summer.
Overheated tires can produce greater incidences of blowouts, causing danger for you and vehicles around you. If you’re unsure what the appropriate inflation level for your tires is, check out your vehicle manual or the inside of your driver’s side door.
While you’re at it, check your spare tire to ensure its inflated and ready to serve you properly if you need it.
Inspect Your Windshield Wiper Blades
Extreme changes in the weather can cause wear and tear on wiper blades. Be sure they’re functioning properly to help you maintain clear and safe visibility during potential summer storms.
You don’t have to wait until a storm occurs to determine your windshield wipers’ effectiveness. Before you hit the road, prop the wipers up and run your fingers down the length of the blades. If you notice pieces are missing or they feel rough, it’s time to replace them with good quality wiper blades.
As an extra safety measure—and time saver during a fun road trip—carry a spare set of windshield wipers in your car in case you’re caught in a storm and realize they’re dangerously ineffective. Pull over safely and replace them as soon as you’re able.
Check Your Air Conditioner
Discomfort can cause distraction. If you want to stay cool and comfortable while driving in the hottest summer months, make sure your air conditioner is in efficient working order.
Start by checking your air filter to be sure it’s not clogged with dirt or dust. You can also check to confirm your coolant is at appropriate levels. This helps keep your air conditioner functioning and your engine from overheating.
Keep Your Car Out Of The Sun
Extreme heat from the sun’s rays can cause increased risk for your car’s belts, hoses, and airbags to crack, break, or fail. Parking in the shade, in a garage, or under a shelter can help you keep your car running smoothly—and help keep you safe.
Summer sun can also ruin your vehicle’s paint and interior fabric, which decreases your car’s value. You can purchase a car shade for your windshield and wax your car with a UV polish to help give it additional protection.
Things To Take With You
- Spare tire: When you bought your car, it likely came equipped with a spare tire. If you’re not sure, check your trunk, as that’s the usual storage spot for a spare. If you don’t see a spare tire or if you’ve already used it, replace it at your local auto body shop to keep yourself prepared while on the road.
- Tire repair kit: Your spare tire isn’t going to do much good if you don’t know how to replace it. Your car should also have a tire jack and tire iron to allow you to change the tire if the time comes. When it comes to tires, a tire pressure gauge is another necessity to keep in a tire repair kit in case you need to pull off to the nearest service station and fill up a low tire.
- Jumper cables: If your car battery dies while you’re out and about, you’re going to need jumper cables. It can be easy to keep them with your spare tire, so you know they’re always with you.
Always Be Prepared With the Coverage You Need
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