4 Summer Driving Tips

Summer is a time for vehicular fun and adventure as millions of families pile into their cars and hit the road for activities, errands, commutes, and annual summer road trips. Keep in mind a few helpful tips for summer driving in order to make sure both you and your car beat the heat.

Check Coolant Levels

Heat is an enemy of all things mechanical, so it’s important as the hot months roll in to check the level of coolant in your engine. Running the engine with too little coolant can lead to overheating. If you are low on coolant, add a 50-percent mixture of the proper antifreeze and distilled water.

Service the Air Conditioning

To ensure that you and your passengers are kept as cool as your engine, have your vehicle’s air conditioner serviced. Change the cabin air filter and recharge the system with the proper refrigerant to the correct pressure in order to have an efficient and effective AC system.

Change the Oil

Correct oil quantity and quality is a prerequisite of a properly functioning engine. In the summer months, high temperatures and extended periods of use put additional loads on the motor oil. Change your oil heading into summer and check it with every fill up.

Slow Down

One step you as a driver can take to insulate your car from summer’s heat is simply to slow down. By operating the vehicle at a lower speed and RPM you conserve fuel, reduce tire wear, and lighten the engine’s load.

By following these tips, your car will be ready for some summer fun.

Image via Flickr by David Schiersner

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