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Summer Driving Tips

Warm weather typically means more driving. Whether you will be heading out on vacation, or simply getting out of the house to enjoy the wonderful weather, there are a number of summer driving tips that you can use to ensure a safe and happy experience. Hot weather can indeed be rough on your car, and there are several things that you can do to help prevent common problems.

Summer Maintenance and Safety

Your car should be professionally serviced seasonally, with the summer and winter seasons being of the upmost importance. The cooling system of your car should be inspected. Your vehicle works to maintain a temperature that is optimal for burning fuel efficiently and preventing corrosion. This temperature is around two hundred degrees. However, during the summer your cooling system can exceed this temperature which would cause overheating. It is important to note that you should never attempt to remove the radiator cap should your car overheat. The pressure that builds up could cause the cap to burst off, and you could be injured or burned.

There are a few maintenance tasks that you can complete on your own while your car engine is completely cool. Glance over your radiator and see if there are any noticeable leaks. Leaks will allow the coolant to leak out, and will allow for overheating. Hoses should also be inspected for damage, as they too can allow the coolant to leak out. Should you notice damage, your car should be taken in for repair. An engine that overheats is subject to severe damage and total failure. Do check your coolant level periodically, and top off the level as needed.

Inspection of Your Air Conditioning System

Depending on where you live, air conditioning can be very important during the summer months. One of the best summer driving tips of all would be to inspect the belts that are attached to the compressor. Over time these belts can dry out, crack, fray, and completely break. Should this happen, your air conditioning absolutely will not work. Preventing failure could be as simple as checking for damage and having these belts replaced should you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Summer and All-Weather Tires

If you choose to make use of summer tires, which are different from winter tires in that they offer different tread and a lower sidewall, make this change just prior to the beginning of summer. Many people fail to realize just how important tires are in terms of better fuel efficiency and better overall handling. If you do not live in an area that warrants seasonal tire changes, all-weather tires are a fine choice. Like all tires, these will need to be inspected and rotated periodically to ensure safety and even wear.

Warm Weather Can Affect Your Brakes

When the temperature rises, so can the temperature of your brake system. This can allow your brake pads to break down at a faster rate than normal, and for this reason your brake pads and system should be inspected. Unless you have a great amount of car knowledge, you may not be able to spot problems on your own. Consider having a professional inspection done, and if necessary, your brake pads replaced. Your mechanic will tell you if he or she feels that replacement is necessary, and if not, when it might be.

Summer Driving Tips for Vacationers

Summer is often a time when boats and campers are towed along with you while on vacation. Your hitch should be inspected for damage, and you will want to verify that it is the proper size for the load weight you will be towing. All lights should be tested in order to ensure safe travel and to meet the legal requirements of towing. Towing can place a burden on the engine of your vehicle, which makes the above tips even more important.

Each of these summer driving tips should be considered prior to hitting the road this summer. Summer is an excellent time for getting out of the house and enjoying life outside. By taking the time to perform routine maintenance, or having maintenance done for you, your vehicle will be safer to drive during summer.

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