Summer Driving Tips

By the Mercury Team

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or visiting family, hitting the open road during summer can be an exciting adventure. But before you pack your bags and start up your engine, it’s essential to ensure your car is ready for the journey ahead. From checking your car fluids to packing an emergency kit, we’ve got you covered with these summer driving tips to keep you safe and stress-free on the road.

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Car Maintenance Before Road Trip

Proper car maintenance before a road trip is essential, especially during summer. Consider the following automotive maintenance tips:

Check Car Fluids

Here are the key fluids to check:

• Automatic transmission fluid: Ensure the fluid is at the correct level and in good condition for smooth gear shifts. Check with the dipstick and top it off, or replace it if needed.
• Power steering fluid: Keep your steering smooth by ensuring the fluid is between the minimum and maximum marks. If it’s low, add the recommended fluid type.
• Windshield washer fluid: Fill the reservoir with windshield washer fluid to maintain clear visibility. This helps keep your windshield clean from bugs and debris.
• Coolant: Check the coolant level in the radiator and overflow reservoir to prevent overheating. If it’s low, add a 50/50 mix of coolant and water.
• Change the oil: Fresh oil is crucial for engine performance. Check the oil level and schedule a change if it’s dirty or low. If you don’t know how to check engine oil, refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines.

Examine the Tires

The tires are the only car parts that touch the road, so you want to ensure they’re in good condition.

• Check tire tread: Ensure your tires have sufficient tread for good traction. Use the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.

• Check tire pressure: Proper tire pressure improves fuel efficiency and handling. Check your tire pressure with a gauge and inflate to the recommended PSI in your vehicle’s manual or on the door jamb sticker.

Check the Battery

Proper car battery maintenance helps reduce the risk of starting issues and electrical problems during your road trip. Here’s what to check:

• Inspect for corrosion: Look for any corrosion on the battery terminals and clean them if necessary, using a mix of baking soda and water.
• Check the charge: Test the battery’s charge with a multimeter or have it tested at an auto parts store. If the charge is low, consider replacing the battery to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Test Lights

Enhance your visibility and ensure other drivers can see you clearly by checking your car lights.

• Headlights: Test high and low beams to ensure they work and are properly aligned.
• Brake lights: Have someone press the brake pedal while you check that all brake lights illuminate.
• Turn signals: Activate each turn signal and check that the front and rear indicators function correctly.
• Emergency flashers: Turn on your hazard lights and ensure all four flashers are operating.
• Interior lights: Check that all interior lights, including dome and dashboard lights, are working properly.

EV Considerations

Planning a road trip in an electric vehicle (EV) requires some additional steps to ensure a smooth journey. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Charging stations: Use an electric car trip planner to locate charging stations along your route. Plan your stops to ensure you have sufficient charge to reach each destination.
• Charging cables: Ensure you have the necessary charging cables and adapters for different types of charging stations.
• Battery range: Know your EV’s battery range and factor in variables like driving speed, weather, and terrain that can affect range.

Summer Driving Tips

Summer drives can be fun and adventurous, but they also require extra precautions to ensure safety. Follow these safe summer driving tips to make your journey safe and enjoyable.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Stay focused on the road by minimizing distractions. Put your phone away, avoid eating while driving, and keep conversations with passengers to a minimum.

Pay Attention to Weather Forecasts

Before your trip, check the weather forecast and stay updated. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, such as rain or thunderstorms, which can affect driving conditions.

Use Sunglasses to Avoid Eye Fatigue

Wear sunglasses to reduce glare and prevent eye fatigue, especially during particularly sunny days. This helps maintain clear vision and reduces strain on your eyes.

Be Alert and Avoid Drowsy Driving

Ensure you’re well-rested before hitting the road. Take breaks every couple of hours to stay alert and avoid driving when you’re feeling drowsy.

Watch Your Gas Tank or Battery Charge

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge or battery charge level. Plan your refueling or recharging stops ahead of time to avoid running out of gas or battery power.

Drive the Speed Limit

Adhere to the speed limit to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Driving at a safe speed helps you react more effectively to unexpected situations.

Turn on Your Headlights to be More Visible to Other Drivers

Use your headlights, even during the day, to increase your visibility to other drivers. This is especially important in adverse weather conditions or on shaded roads.

Pack an Emergency Kit

You’ll be better equipped to handle emergencies and ensure a safer journey by packing these essentials:

• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• Emergency flat tire repair and/or spare tire
• Gloves, blankets, and towels
• Hazard triangles, road flares, brightly colored distress signs, or "help" or "call police" flag
• Screwdrivers and wrenches
• First aid kit
• Phone charger and charging cable
• Water for both the car radiator and your family
• High-calorie, non-perishable food

Conclusion

Proper preparation and safety measures are key to enjoying stress-free summer travel. By maintaining your vehicle, planning for emergencies, and following road trip safety tips, you can ensure a smooth journey for you and your family.

For added peace of mind, consider Mercury’s affordable, comprehensive car insurance. You can save even more when you bundle home and auto insurance. Get started today by getting auto insurance quotes online and see how Mercury can keep you covered on your adventures.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!