Two tips for safe summer driving

July 10th, 2014 by admin

Summer is here, making it a great time to get out in your car, travel and enjoy the nice weather. However, even though the sun may be appearing more frequently, the chance of a heavy rainstorm or a really hot day could present issues for you out on the road.

Here are some scenarios that you might want to prepare for, and tips to help you mitigate some of the inherent risks of summertime car travel. 

Driving in heavy rain. Rain might be a welcome change of pace on a hot day, but if you're out on the road it has the potential to make for hazardous driving conditions. Heavy rains present the risk of skidding and hydroplaning on the road when there is too much water under your tires.

To help maintain control of your vehicle during a situation like this, drive at a slower speed and exercise caution. In the event that your vehicle begins to skid, do not accelerate. Try to turn the car in the direction you want it to go in but do not make any sudden turns or sudden braking. 

Driving in high heat. A hot day can be problematic when you're on the road. During especially hot conditions, your car's engine might feel the burn a bit too intensely and as a result, overheat. There are several things you can do if this happens.

Cars often overheat when they are low on coolant. Carrying an extra bottle of coolant and water in your car will be helpful if your engine over heats. However, if your engine is overheated to the point where it is steaming, be sure to pull over and wait for it to cool down before touching the engine.