Road trips, vacations, days at the beach… summer involves a lot more drivingthan any other time of year. And with all that time on the road comes particular safety issues you should be aware of. Summer driving is very different from winter driving; the experts at Peruzzi Toyota offer these handy tips to stay safe on the road during the summer months.
GIVE YOUR VEHICLE A SUMMER CHECK-UP
Driving in hot conditions puts a serious strain on your car or truck. Ensure that everything is in good working order with a service check-up. For instance, check coolant and fluid levels, a test of your air-conditioning system, and an oil change, etc. All of these things go a long way to ensuring your car will run smoothly on that road trip and avoid overheating.
CHECK THE TIRES
Hot weather and long drives can lead to blowouts. Before you head out, ensure that your tires are in peak shape and properly inflated.
TOWING KNOW-HOW
If you’re planning on bringing a boat, jet ski or anything else along, ensure that you’re up to speed on the towing capacity of your vehicle. Factor in weight plus the speed you’ll be driving. Similar advice goes for anything you’re strapping to the roof rack. Check the weight limit as well as any height restrictions on your route.
BEWARE OF THE GLARE
Summer sun glare can be a real hazard. Besides a good pair of sunglasses, keep your windshield clean of dirt and streaks; their impact on your vision is much more pronounced in bright sunlight.
TEEN DRIVERS
School’s out – and all those teenagers who recently got their driver’s licenses are on the road. Statistics show that more teen driver deaths occur during the summer months, so pay closer attention to what’s going on around you. Practice more defensive driving (which means no texting or other distractions).
STAY FOCUSED
Long road trips can be tedious. Cranky passengers can also be a distraction. Plan for the ride with videos, books, and toys for the little ones. Also, plan to make regular stops to stretch and “refuel.” Above all, avoid anything that will break your concentration (like texts and phone calls); your only job is to get to your destination safely. Remember, cops are becoming more aggressive in cracking down on distracted driving.
The service experts at Peruzzi Toyota can get your vehicle in tip-top shape before you head out on a summer adventure. Give us a call and we’ll schedule a quick and easy check up!
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