Between the clear skies and the warm weather, summer is the perfect time to take that road trip you’ve been dreaming of during a long, dreary winter. But during any summer road trip, staying cool will be your number one challenge. It takes more than just picking a destination and making sure you have dependable auto insurance to stay cool and relaxed during your ride. By planning ahead and implementing some summer driving tips, you’ll be able to conquer the heat, keep your car in working order, and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Maintenance Is a Must
Before you hit the road, you need to make sure your car is in tip-top shape. A basic maintenance checklist can help you have a smooth ride as you visit national parks or check out unique roadside attractions, regardless of the weather.
Check and Maintain Your Vehicle’s Fluid Levels
Routine vehicle maintenance can help you avoid having to pull over on the side of the road while the summer sun beats down. Check all your fluid levels to ensure you don’t have a leak and top off any fluids that are a bit low. It’s especially critical to keep an eye on your coolant to keep your engine from overheating on your summertime drive.
Inspecting Your Air Conditioning System Before Departure
Air conditioning is critical for having an enjoyable drive as temperatures rise. Try blasting your A/C to make sure it can keep up with the demands of a hot summer day. If you notice it’s struggling, consider swinging by a mechanic to have any issues professionally diagnosed. While you’re at it, replace your cabin’s air filter to keep the cool air flowing freely.
Smart Packing for High Temperatures
When packing your bag, keep the heat in mind. Come equipped with accessories like sunglasses, hats, and visors to keep the sun out of your eyes while you drive. You’ll also want to make sure you have a quality sunshade to guard your windows while you park.
Even with your cooling systems in working condition, it’s a good idea to know how to sleep in the car with no A/C in the event of a breakdown and pack some basic supplies in your roadside emergency kit to help. If you need to cool down and rest without a working A/C in your car, plan to park in the shade, use a cooling towel, and use a portable fan to circulate the warm air throughout the car.
Staying Hydrated and Protected From the Sun
Dehydration is no joke when you’re on the road in the summer sun. Pack plenty of bottled water, and bring a reusable water bottle you can refill at rest stops. Don’t forget to bring a water bowl for any furry friends you want to bring along. Even though you may have some sun protection from your window tint, you’ll also need to apply sunscreen regularly to guard your skin from UV rays.
Utilizing Technology To Beat the Heat
There are plenty of gadgets you can bring on your summer road trip to stay cool. Tools like portable, cooling neck fans are designed to keep you comfortable on the go. Remember to bring portable charging banks and car chargers to keep your fans and another tech fully charged.
Planning Your Trip Around Cooler Times and Places
Be aware of when and where temperatures will be at their peak along your route before you leave. Consider planning your road trips to cooler climates during the summer, and save hotter areas for the spring or fall. If you have your heart set on that drive through the desert, you can try to take advantage of cooler mornings and evenings to reduce the amount of time you spend trekking through the heat.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
Along with just being downright uncomfortable, extreme heat has the potential to cause car problems. Your engine can overheat, or your tires may blow out because of the high temperatures on the road. Unfortunately, most insurance plans will count this as regular wear-and-tear, so you won’t be able to file a claim. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to your vehicle, conduct regular maintenance, and recognize when it’s simply too hot to hit the road.
Stay Cool and Insured
By using these summer road trip tips, you can keep your vehicle — and yourself — cool and comfortable for your next adventure, regardless of the heat. Taking the time to do regular maintenance, pack an emergency kit and get roadside assistance will help your trip be as stress free as possible.
Before you embark on the road, you also need to make sure you have your bases covered with a reliable insurance plan. At Freeway Insurance, you can find affordable coverage to protect you from the unexpected while you’re on the road. Stop by your neighborhood Freeway Insurance office, call 800-777-5620, or hop online for a free quote to get started.
