For many folks, summer is the season for road trips and long drives. And there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with the windows down and your favorite tunes playing.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, a national park, or just taking the occasional weekend getaway, it’s vital to be prepared for the heat and potential hazards of summer driving, as well. To help you stay safe and comfortable on the road, we’ve compiled out top summer driving tips everyone should know.
1. Check Your Tires
One of the most important parts of your car to keep an eye on in hotter months are your tires. High temperatures can cause the air in tires to expand, leading to overinflation and potential blowouts. Before hitting the road, check your tire pressure and tread depth to ensure they’re in good condition. The tread helps control your vehicle so that it can accelerate and stop properly. If they appear worn or damaged, consider replacing them before your trip.
2. Stay Hydrated
Driving in the heat can cause dehydration, which can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and other health issues. Make sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout your trip. If you start to feel unwell, pull over and take a break until you’re ready to hit the road again.
3. Protect Your Skin – Even Inside Your Vehicle
The sun’s rays can be strong, burning your skin even with the windows up. On those long drives, be sure to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and a hat while driving. You can also consider installing a window tint or sunshade to reduce glare and block UV rays.
4. Plan Your Route
GPS can fail. It’s always best to be familiar with your route before heading out.
Keep in mind that summer is also a popular time for road construction and congestion, especially in tourist areas. Plan your route ahead of time and check for any construction or traffic delays. Consider leaving early or late to avoid peak travel times.
5. Keep Your Car Cool
Driving in a hot car can be uncomfortable, distracting and even unhealthy. Keep your car cool by using the air conditioning, and crack open the windows when parking for long periods of time. It’s also beneficial to use a sunshade on your windshield and park in shaded areas whenever possible.
6. Renew Your License Plate if Necessary
Before leaving town, take care of routine tasks like renewing your license plates at a local CFSC Auto Services location. The last thing you want to deal with on vacation is getting pulled over and ticketed.
Requiring drivers to have updated plates helps the state keep track of vehicles and their ownership. Outdated plates are punishable by fines, so skipping this step is not worth the risk. If you’re unsure of how the process works, have a neighborhood service like CFSC Auto Services walk you through it.
7. Take Care of Auto and Financial Services at Your Local CFSC
With dozens of storefronts throughout the Midwest, CFSC Auto Services makes renewing your plates and other routine tasks easy. Our teams are equipped to handle the paperwork so you don’t have to, as well as answer your questions so that your family is ready to hit the road. Our services are available, convenient, and available to anyone who needs them.
While you’re here, get help with your other auto-related needs. From license plate renewals to getting your lost or stolen stickers replaced, we’ve got you covered. You can also:
- Get help handling your title registration and transfer for your vehicle
- Pick up your new plates
- Avoid waiting in long lines at the DMV
- Take care of check cashing and other financial tasks – all under one roof
By following the simple tips above, you can stay safe and comfortable while enjoying all that summer has to offer. Whether you’re heading to the beach or taking a scenic drive, make sure to prioritize safety and enjoy the journey!
Need help keeping your finances in order? We can also help you manage your finances, such as transfering funds whenever you need it. Our flexible schedule makes it easy to swing by at your convenience. Stop by your nearest CFSC Auto Services location to find out more!