Stay Safe in Your Car and on the Road This Summer

by admin, June 16, 2022, Tips

Summertime can be distracting, more traffic, and more people and cars on the roadways. Be sure that your car is safe and that you’re safe on the hot roadways this season for every day driving or traveling long distances. Here are some important things to know, check, and practice to avoid an accident, as well as keep you on the road. Your local auto body repair shop can also help answer some questions if you are unsure what to look for when you are taking car safety measures.

Your Car Safety Measures

Two of the most important things to maintain is your car’s tires and your vehicle’s fluids.

TIRE CHECK

Check your tire pressures early in the morning or late in the evening when your tires are cooler, and always before you start your journey. Tires heat up and the pressure will increase as you drive. Inspect for uneven tire wear which could be a sign of wheel or suspension issues. Be sure your tread is in good shape. Look out for nails, screws or stones that might have caused punctures, and check the sidewalls for bulges which are signs of a weakness in the tire and will increase the risk of a blowout.

FLUID LEVELS

Check your oil on a regular basis and coolant levels. Low levels on either of these could spell trouble. Always check your oil with the engine switched off so the oil drains to the bottom of the engine and it can be measured accurately. If it’s a bit low, top it up to somewhere around the maximum level indicated with the right grade of oil, but keep checking it as you do to make sure you don’t overfill it.

Your coolant reservoir will also have a level indicator, so keep monitoring this to make sure you’re not losing coolant, because your car is more likely to overheat in hot conditions. Don’t wait for a warning light. Car damage could already have been done by the time the light comes on. You do not want to overheat and neither does your car!

OTHER QUICK CAR CARE SUMMERTIME TIPS TO CONSIDER

Make sure your battery has enough charge. Summertime heat can run down your battery. Ensure the fluid levels are high enough and that your battery’s terminals and clamps have not corroded. If you see signs of wear, it might be time to replace it.
Look at the lights. Test your car’s headlights and taillights to see if they’re operating correctly before starting a long-distance road trip.
Assemble an emergency kit. You never know when disaster might strike. That’s why it’s smart to equip your car with an emergency kit that includes plenty of water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, essential tools and first-aid supplies.
Replace your windshield wipers. If you get caught in a downpour, you need good wipers to improve your visibility. Faulty wipers can make it difficult to see the road and potential hazards ahead. Make sure to replace any worn-out wipers during the summer.
Schedule a brake check at your local auto body shop. The brakes are one of your car’s most important safety features. Whether you’re navigating stop-and-go traffic, winding along a mountain road or driving on a slick street, your brakes must be in top condition. Visit your local auto repair shop to get a FREE estimate.
Make sure your cell phone is charged in case of an accident or emergency breakdown. Bring your charger and be sure that you keep important information in your phone or glovebox.

Driver Safety Measures

Two of the most important things to maintain in the summertime is hydration and your state of wellbeing.

HYDRATION

Even being very slightly dehydrated could seriously affect your concentration levels and reaction times, or at the very least will give you a headache which will make your journey miserable. Especially if you do not have air conditioning and having no air can also cause over heating or drowsiness. Be sure to check the air before a long trip.

Take a bottle of water with you in the car so you’ve got it with you when you need it.

Bear in mind that your air conditioning will also make the air inside your car dry and dehydrate you quicker. It has its benefits with staying cool but also has its downfalls. Just be sure you are prepared.

YOUR WELLBEING

If you’re on a long journey during the summer, the heat will cause you fatigue more quickly. So, make sure you take regular breaks for a leg stretch or something to eat, to prevent tiredness or a loss of focus while you’re behind the wheel. Bring snacks and store them in a cooler part of the car that does not get a lot of direct sunlight.

Wear light and airy clothes so that your body stays a comfortable temperature while you drive.

OTHER QUICK DRIVER CARE SUMMERTIME TIPS TO CONSIDER

Before you get behind the wheel, check the weather forecast, road conditions and traffic conditions.
Take your time and don’t rush to your destination, which could result in a traffic ticket or accident.
Stick to the speed limit and follow all traffic rules.
Map out your route using your car’s or smartphone’s GPS functions before you start driving.
Stay alert by getting plenty of rest before a long road trip.
Pull off the road to take a break, get a snack or take a short walk if you feel tired while you’re driving.
Never drive without wearing a seatbelt, and never travel without your passengers buckling up or being secured in child safety seats.
Don’t drive drunk or drugged.
Don’t drive while texting or talking on your phone.
Watch out for bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Take your sunglasses to reduce glare when you’re behind the wheel.
Wear sturdy shoes that don’t have the potential to get stuck under the brake or gas pedal.

Looking for a Reputable Automotive Collision Repair Shop in Southampton, PA? Be safe on the road and stay safe in your car. We are here in your time of need if you should experience an unexpected accident.

Tri-County Collision Center is an ASE / I-CAR® GOLD certified auto body shop located in Southampton, PA. Call one of our technicians today to learn more about our collision repair and auto painting services. We are OEM certified collision repair facility for INFINITI, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Acura, Honda, GM, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge and Jeep.

Tri-County Collision Center is conveniently located near the PA turnpike, route 95 and Street Road, County Line Road and Second Street Pike at 995 Jaymor Road, Southampton, PA 18966. Give us a call at 215.322.5350 or just stop in if you’re in need of auto collision services.

Tri-County Collision Center’s shop hours are Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, and Saturday by appointment. We would be happy to supply you with an auto repair quote online or over the phone and we always welcome comments and suggestions.

Need a tow or a rental car due an auto collision accident? No worries, Tri-County Collision Center also provides services for tow, rental car, and insurance claims assistance. You are in good hands with a trusted collision shop in Southampton, PA.

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