Top 5 Summer Driving Safety Tips for Your Vehicle
Summer’s here, and that means road trips, camping adventures, and sunny days on the highway. But it’s not just you that needs to be ready for the heat – your vehicle does too!
Here are our top five tips to make sure your car stays safe and reliable all summer long.
1️⃣ Keep an Eye on Your Coolant
Your engine works extra hard in the summer heat, and coolant is your car’s best friend. It absorbs heat and keeps your engine from overheating, especially when temperatures climb.
You should check your coolant level at least once a month, but here’s an important heads-up:
Don’t open the radiator cap—especially when the engine is hot. Doing so can introduce air into the system (or worse, cause injury), which isn’t good for your cooling system.
Instead, check the level at the coolant reservoir, which is designed for safe, easy monitoring.
Not sure where to look or what you’re seeing? No problem! Swing by Bettcher’s and we’ll check it for you. And if it’s been a couple of years since your last coolant flush, a full system service might be the smart move to prevent corrosion and avoid costly repairs later.
Pro tip: A quick check today is a whole lot cheaper than replacing a blown head gasket.
2️⃣ Check Your Tire Pressure (Often!)
Hot weather can make your tire pressure rise and fall, which can impact your safety and your fuel economy. Over-inflated tires can reduce traction and increase the risk of a blowout, while under-inflated tires make your car work harder and burn more fuel.
We recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month, and always before a long road trip. Don’t forget to check the spare tire too – you don’t want to discover a flat when you need it most. If you’re unsure about your tire’s recommended PSI, you can find it on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual.
3️⃣ Inspect Your Air Conditioning
Nothing’s worse than getting stuck in traffic on a hot day with no A/C! Your car’s air conditioning doesn’t just keep you comfortable – it also helps you stay alert and focused. If your A/C isn’t as cold as it used to be, it might need a refrigerant top-up or a quick system check to see if there’s a leak.
Even if your A/C is working fine, it’s a good idea to have it inspected before the real heat hits. A small fix now can save you from a sweaty, stressful drive later on!
4️⃣ Test Your Battery
You might think that winter is the worst time for car batteries, but the truth is that summer heat can be even harder on them. High temperatures can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, leading to corrosion and a shorter lifespan.
If your battery is more than three years old, or if you’ve noticed slow starts recently, it’s a good idea to have it tested. Most battery tests are quick and inexpensive, and they can help you avoid the hassle of a dead battery on a hot day.
5️⃣ Pack a Summer Emergency Kit
Summer adventures are a lot of fun, but they can come with surprises – and not always the good kind. Keep an emergency kit in your car, stocked with essentials such as water, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger. Add a few snacks and a basic toolkit, and you’re ready for almost anything.
If you’re heading out on a longer road trip, consider adding a roadside assistance membership or an extra blanket for shade. A little preparation can go a long way in turning a breakdown into a small hiccup instead of a major headache.
Ready to hit the road this summer? At Bettcher’s, we’re here to help you keep your vehicle in top shape so you can enjoy every adventure worry-free. Whether it’s a quick tire check, a coolant flush, or a full summer tune-up, we’ve got your back. Give us a call today or stop by the shop – we’re always happy to help you keep moving forward!
