Tips for Summer Driving

Summer means time for road trips and vacations! While some of these trips may have changed a little bit because of the COVID pandemic, there are still people safely going on road trips this summer. If you are taking a trip, it is important to have your vehicle and yourself ready for the trip. Check out some of our tips for summer driving below.

• Check Vehicle Fluid Levels – There are many different fluids in your vehicle that should be checked regularly. The beginning of summer is a great time to check fluids like coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. You need to make sure you have enough of all of these so that your vehicle can operate as it should.
• Check Cooling System – Overheating is a common car problem in the summer. Hot temperatures can put a lot of pressure on your vehicle’s engine. Above, we talked about checking to make sure there is enough coolant in your vehicle; that is an essential part of your cooling system, and if your coolant hasn’t been flushed and replaced recently, you should consider that. You also want to check the hoses and belts to make sure everything is as it should be.
• Regular Maintenance and Checks Before Summer Road Trips – Just before we go on a vacation or road trip, we are usually pretty frazzled. We are packing clothes, food, entertainment, and more. We are worried about whether or not we will forget everything, but most of us are probably more worried about ourselves than our car. If you are taking a long road trip this summer, make sure you check to make sure your car is prepared before you leave. This includes checking tire pressure, checking headlights and turn signals, checking battery life, and more. You will also want to make sure you get any necessary regular maintenance like oil changes done before you leave because you won’t want to do that on your trip!
• Have an Emergency Kit in Your Car – Many people think of an emergency car kit as something to have in your vehicle during the winter, but you can also have car trouble in the summer. Be sure to have certain emergency supplies in your car like a cell phone, phone charger, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlight, jumper cables, a map, and some basic tools. These items can really help you if something were to happen.
• Have a Planned Route and Navigation Options – If you are going on a road trip, especially if it is somewhere you have never been, make sure you plan your route. You want to have a general idea of where you are going and what roads you are taking, even if you plan to use a navigation system. This can help you avoid getting lost in the middle of your vacation.

If you are taking a road trip this summer, keep in mind these tips to keep yourself and your car safe. Be sure to have your car looked at if you think there may be any problems, and be sure to get your routine maintenance done before you leave for vacation. You can schedule a service appointment at Tim’s Truck Capital. We would be happy to help you get ready for your summer trip.