There’s no better time for a road trip than summer. The weather is gorgeous, you’re more likely to be available for long stretches of time, and everyone appears to be in better spirits. But before you dash down the road on that epic trip, remember that driving in the summer requires a certain type of diligence, both on the road and off.
There are more drivers on the road, more chances to get distracted, and certain types of maintenance that are necessary to guarantee your safety. With so much to consider, our team at Zimbrick Body Shop decided to put together a small guide of things to keep in mind when you’re on the road this summer.
Safe Driving Tips For the Summer
Get your car serviced
Make sure you’ve gotten car vehicle tuned-up, had its oil changed, its tires rotated, and its battery checked. Each of these can go a long way to preventing breakdowns on longer road trips. If you’ve gotten your vehicle serviced according to its manufacturer’s specs, then it should be good to go.
Go over your vehicle’s more definitive safety checklist — things like checking tire pressure, adjusting coolant levels, topping off fluid levels like brake fluid and power steering, and replacing worn down belts and hoses.
Watch out for other drivers
Since school is out of session, summer is the time of year when the most teens are on the road. Unfortunately, this can also become a recipe for more accidents. Their inexperience behind the wheel can lead to precarious, and sometimes dangerous, situations.
Summer also means more people will be on vacation. This can lead to roads becoming congested with travelers who are unfamiliar with their surroundings, which can result in unpredictable and erratic driving.
Keep yourself and your passengers hydrated
Long drives in the summer heat can lead to you and your passengers becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can result in you making impaired or impulsive decisions behind the wheel, which can result in an accident. If your passengers are also dehydrated for an extended period of time, it can make your road trip far less enjoyable. To combat this, make sure to keep two bottles of water handy for each person in the car.
Be extra cautious when towing large loads
Summer is a perfect time to go camping, take a day trip to the beach, or go fishing. With that said, many outdoor summer activities require people to tow large items, such as trailers or boats. If this applies to you, make sure to adjust what your concept of appropriate speed is.
You’ll also want to continuously check your mirrors for other vehicles while you’re in transit. Remember that your tires must be in pristine condition to effectively haul heavier loads. Be sure to check your tires’ pressure, as well as their rubber condition, before hauling anything.
Have a Safe Summer in Madison, WI
If something unforeseen should happen, schedule collision repair at Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, Wisconsin. Our specialists will have your back all summer long.
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