Of all the exciting things to do in the summer, few match the fun of a family road trip. Whether you’re hitting the road with your SUV or RV, or hooking up the new boat or camper, there is nothing better than a mini getaway. To make your trip stress-free, isure has essential summer driving tips. This way, your getaway can be focused on having as much fun as possible. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing those bags!
What Are The Most Important Summer Driving Tips?
The most important summer driving tips include checking your vehicle before departure, monitoring tire pressure, staying hydrated, avoiding overloading, carrying an emergency kit, never driving impaired, and watching for pedestrians, cyclists, and wildlife. Proper preparation can help prevent breakdowns and make summer road trips safer and more enjoyable. Follow these core safety measures before you hit the road to have a breakdown-free getaway:
Inspect your vehicle: Check your engine oil, coolant levels, battery health, and braking system before departure.
Monitor tire pressure: Maintain proper PSI to prevent dangerous blowouts caused by high summer asphalt temperatures.
Pack responsibly: Avoid overloading your passenger cabin or exceeding your vehicle’s designated towing capacity.
Stay alert: Watch for increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic, as well as wildlife, along your route, especially when driving at night.
Prepare an emergency kit: Keep essential roadside safety tools, jumper cables, and first-aid supplies in your trunk at all times.
Drive sober: Always arrange an alternative ride, carpool, or rideshare app if your summer plans involve alcohol.
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1. How Much Should You Pack for a Summer Road Trip?
Although it may seem like a good idea to pack as much as possible on your trip, it can backfire. This is especially true if you take a car or trailer on vacation. Overpacking your vehicle can be extremely dangerous. Packing too much stuff will lead to excessive strain on your car and its tires. This is especially dangerous when it comes to overpacking on your roof. Having too much on top of your vehicle can cause heavy strain on your roof and put you at risk of tipping. If you are unsure how much your vehicle can handle, please refer to your owner’s manual to determine its specific capacity.
2. Remember To Always Maintain Your Vehicle
The last thing you want during your summer road trip is a vehicle breakdown. To mitigate the chances of a breakdown, change the oil and oil filter, top off your washer fluid, ensure your tires have sufficient tread, and verify that the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. If it’s been several years, you will also want to replace the wiper blades, flush the coolant system, and possibly replace the engine’s belts and hoses. However, it may seem like a hassle, and doing this while on your trip will likely put a damper on it.
3. Keep Hydrated and Full While Driving
Driving in the summer requires you to keep hydrated when stuck in a long traffic jam under the sun. Take plenty of cold water with you before heading out on longer journeys – enough for you and all of your passengers. It’s also a good idea to pull over somewhere to eat. This is especially crucial if you plan to drive for many hours. Nobody likes to be hungry or thirsty when driving!
4. Always Drink Responsibly
An essential summer driving tip: if you are drinking alcohol, do not drive. Before heading out to a summer social event, consider how you will get home. Don’t drink if you’re driving, and consider using an alternative method of transportation, such as carpooling or a rideshare app, if you plan to drink. Additionally, ensure that your friends and others have a reliable way to get home safely if they don’t; invite them to stay with you wherever you are. This way, you can enjoy the hot weather without putting your life or other people’s lives at risk.
5. Start With a Cool Car
If you’ve ever driven in a hot car for an extended time, you know exactly how important your car’s air-conditioning system is to retaining your sanity during a summer road trip. Get it inspected before departure. Nobody wants to spend hours in a super-hot car. Not only does having a cool car make you more comfortable, but it also protects your car from overheating. When not in use, try to park your car out of the sun to reduce the cabin temperature.
6. Be on the Lookout for More Than Just Cars
It’s the summer, so there will be more people outside walking, running, or biking. They might not be paying much attention as they’re enjoying the sunshine. As a driver, your job is to watch out for them. Along your travels in the summer, you may also encounter large trucks. It is dangerous for motorists to travel unnecessarily in lanes adjacent to large trucks. Either pass the car or tuck in behind it. If you’re driving up north to cottage country, it’s also essential to be vigilant for animals. Especially when driving in the dark.
7. Never Leave Pets or Children in a Parked Car
Many people still believe it is acceptable to leave their dog in the car during the summer. The OSPCA says that if it’s 22 degrees outside, the inside of a vehicle can reach 47 degrees within one hour, which can lead to heartbreaking consequences. Even parking in the shade or leaving the windows down does not make the car a safe place for a child or dog in summer. So, unless you can take your children or fur babies with you wherever you go, find a sitter or sit this one out.
8. Carry an Emergency Roadside Assistance Kit
Despite proper planning, your vehicle can still break down during your travels. You’ll also be able to stumble upon fellow motorists who require immediate assistance. For these reasons, carrying emergency roadside assistance when driving in the summer is essential. You’ll be able to find a variety of options online. At a minimum, experts recommend having first-aid supplies, a hazard triangle or warning flares for when your car is stuck at the side of the road, a can of tire sealant, jumper cables, a flashlight with fresh batteries, and a pair of gloves. If you’re travelling off-road or in lightly populated areas, it’s also wise to carry warm clothing, food, and water.
9. Check Your Tires Before Setting Off
Your car’s tires are among the most crucial components in ensuring vehicle safety. Before taking a long trip, it is essential to inspect them for wear or damage. If they are worn due to age, neglect of tire pressure, or an uneven alignment, you’ll need to replace them. It’s costly but can save your life. Also, be sure to remove those winter tires. You would be surprised to find out how many people forget to do so with their busy day-to-day lives. Not having to worry about the state of your car while driving will take a lot of pressure off you while you’re behind the wheel.
10. Test Your Lights Beforehand
Before setting off on your summer road trip, make sure all your car’s lights work. They’re all important, so ask for help as you cycle through the headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard flashers, and reversing lights. As mentioned earlier, nobody wants to have to make a pit stop at the mechanic on their way to or from their destination.
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Driving In Summer: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check on my car before a summer road trip?
Before a summer road trip, check your tire pressure and tread depth, engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, brakes, battery, lights, and air conditioning system. Addressing maintenance issues before you leave can help prevent roadside breakdowns.
How can I improve fuel efficiency during a summer road trip?
Maintaining proper tire pressure, avoiding excess weight, reducing idling, and keeping up with vehicle maintenance can help improve fuel efficiency during summer travel.
What should be included in a roadside emergency kit?
A roadside emergency kit should include a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, warning triangles or flares, gloves, water, non-perishable food, a phone charger, and basic tools.
Is it safe to leave a child or pet in a parked vehicle?
No. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise quickly, even when windows are cracked or the vehicle is parked in the shade. Children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle during warm weather.
Travel With Peace Of Mind
Taking the time to prep your vehicle, pack smart, and prioritize road safety reduces stress and ensures a smooth summer journey. Whether you are travelling across Ontario or escaping for a quick weekend adventure, these simple precautions protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle.
Remember, if you are in the market for standard car insurance in Ontario, or even RV or boat insurance, be sure to check out isure. We offer some of the best rates in Ontario for insuring your vehicles. Contact us today!
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