The Secrets of Safe Summer Driving

April 16, 2010

Summer time is just around the corner and so are summer vacations! This summer during your travels remember to take the extra precautions necessary to ensure a safe trip for you and your family. By spending a few extra minutes to review the items below you can help prevent an accident along the way.

Check Your Windshield

Check your windshield to verify there are no dings or chips. If there are any be sure to get them repaired before starting your journey. Even though they may not have grown all winter it is possible they can begin to expand into a crack in the summer. The summer temperature can cause "thermal shock" which transforms those minor dings into a major crack. Thermal shock can occur when cold air from the air conditioner blows directly on a windshield that is hot from the sun.

If you don't have any dings or chips you're in good shape as far as the windshield goes but should still make sure to use a glass cleaner and wipe off any dust or dirt that can impair visibility while the bright sun is shining on it.

Check Your Tires

Verify that the tire pressure in all tires is at the recommended amount. It is important that the tire pressure is not too low or too high. If you are unsure what the tire pressure should be for your vehicle check your owners manual.

Check your tires to make sure that there is no baldness. Also, make sure that you have a spare tire and car jack. Of course everyone hopes to have no flat tires during the trip but it's best to be prepared just in case.

Check Your Fluids

Make sure to check all of your fluids prior to leaving so you don't run into any surprises during the trip. Some important fluids to check are oil, power steering, transmission, and brake fluid. Though having no windshield washer fluid doesn't affect your vehicle's performance you may also want to check that as it could become rather annoying during the travel if it is empty.

Check Your Battery

Check the cable ends and battery terminals to verify there is no corrosion.  If corrosion exists, contact a trained professional to have it removed prior to your trip.

Check All Lights

Check your headlights, taillights, and turn signals to verify they are all functional. Besides the risk of receiving a fix-it ticket for any lights not working it is also unsafe to drive with any lights not functioning properly.

Be Prepared

Even if you do every check on the list there's always a possibility that something can go wrong. The best thing you can do for you and your family is be prepared. Make sure to pack an extra quart of oil, some safety flares, and a jumper cable just in case. It's a good idea to always keep a car emergency kit in your vehicle. Bring a charged cell phone with you in case of emergency. Pack a small ice chest with some waters and bring some snacks. That way, if you do run into a problem at least you and your family won't be hungry. Also, remember to get a good nights rest before you leave, driving while tired is never safe.

To better prepare yourself you may want to take a traffic school course to brush up on your skills. TrafficSchoolOnline.com offers a course you can take at home at your own leisure prior to your trip. If you are traveling out of state you may even want to take a course for that state so you are familiar with their traffic laws.

Just remember; knowing the rules, being prepared, and making simple checks can make all the difference this summer and help you to experience the best summer vacation possible!