Tips for Driving in Hot Weather 

We’re all familiar with the dangers of driving in winter weather, but did you know that hot weather can be just as hazardous?

Here are 17 tips for driving safely in summer weather.

1. Check your tires:

Hot weather can cause your tires to lose pressure, so it’s important to check them regularly. Also, be sure to inspect your tires for any signs of wear and tear.

2. Watch out for road construction:

As the temperatures rise, so does the number of road construction projects. Be sure to slow down and watch for workers when driving through construction zones.

3. Don’t overheat your engine:

When the mercury climbs, it’s important to keep an eye on your vehicle’s temperature gauge. If it starts to get too hot, pull over and turn off the engine until it cools down.

4. Avoid using cruise control:

In hot weather, cruise control can put undue stress on your engine and cause it to overheat. So, it’s best to avoid using it altogether.

5. Keep your cool:

Literally! If you start to feel overheated, pull over and turn on the air conditioning. If possible, find a shady spot to park in while you wait for the car to cool down.

6. Watch out for animals:

Hot weather can make animals (especially dogs) more prone to heat stroke. Be sure to keep an eye out for them when driving, and don’t hesitate to call animal control if you see an animal that looks like it’s in distress.

7. Don’t leave children or pets in the car:

Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car, not even for a minute. The temperature inside a car can rise very quickly, leading to serious health consequences.

8. Don’t tailgate:

In hot weather, it’s especially important to give the car ahead of you plenty of space. If you tailgate, you’re more likely to overheat your engine and put yourself at risk for an accident.

9. Use caution when passing:

Because heat rises, the pavement ahead of you may be hotter than the pavement behind you. This can make it more difficult to stop, so use caution when passing another vehicle.

10. Keep your windows up:

Hot weather can cause the inside of your car to heat up quickly. To avoid this, keep your windows up and use the air conditioning.

11. Don’t park in the sun:

If you can help it, don’t park in direct sunlight. The sun’s rays can cause the interior of your car to reach dangerously high temperatures.

12. Roll down your windows periodically:

Even if you’re using the air conditioning, it’s a good idea to roll down your windows every so often. This will help circulate the air and prevent the build-up of condensation on the windows.

13. Don’t use your hazard lights:

In most states, it’s illegal to drive with your hazard lights on unless you’re actually experiencing a hazard. So, don’t use them as a way to cool down your car.

14. Keep your gas tank full:

Running out of gas is never fun, but it’s especially bad in hot weather. That’s because the heat can cause the gasoline to evaporate, making it difficult to restart your car.

15. Watch for pavement cracks:

As the pavement heats up, it can start to develop cracks. Be sure to watch for them when driving, and avoid driving over them if possible.

16. Don’t wear dark clothing:

Dark clothing absorbs heat, so it’s best to avoid wearing it when driving in hot weather. If you must wear dark clothing, roll down the windows and turn on the air conditioning.

17. Use sunscreen:

Just because you’re driving doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for sunburn. So, be sure to apply sunscreen before getting behind the wheel.

Following these tips can help you stay safe on the road this summer. But if you do find yourself in an accident, be sure to call CMC Automotive Repair right away. We’re here to help!

Conclusion:

Hot weather can be dangerous for drivers. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself and your passenger’s safe this summer.