Summer is just about here. While you may be looking forward to your next summer road trip or weekend getaway with friends and family, it’s important to realize that summer can be a trying time for vehicles. The extra heat and mileage causes your engine, battery, tires and other components to work extra hard, which can lead to unexpected breakdowns and safety concerns. If you are one of the nearly half of Americans planning a summer vacation, consider these tips for summer driving so you can avoid an unexpected mechanical mishap.¹

Tire Service

Your car’s tires often take the most abuse during the summer. According to Popular Mechanics, mid-May to early October is known as tire-blowout season because extreme heat, extended trips and heavier cargo loads put a lot of stress on tires. Plus, if your tires have been neglected or they’re simply nearing their expiration date, the potential for a blowout or flat is even higher. Be sure to maintain your tire’s air pressure and have your tires rotated when necessary. You can usually find your car’s factory-recommended PSI on the door jamb or in the owner’s manual. If you’re not sure about your tread and whether it’s time for a rotation, a professional mechanic can give you a recommendation. You can always test your tread using a quarter to get a good sense of your tire’s condition.

Stock Up

Whether you’re taking a road trip this season or staying in town, there’s a handful of items you should carry in your vehicle at all times in case your car breaks down. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends creating an emergency roadside kit with the following items:

• Cell phone and car charger
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Flares and a white flag
• Jumper cables
• Tire pressure gauge
• Water for drinking and the engine
• Basic repair tools
• Maps
• Blankets, towels and jackets
• Non-perishable food
• Jack for the spare tire
• Work gloves²

Drive Safe

You should always practice safe driving habits. However, during the summer, when kids are out of school and there’s more traffic on the roads, being a safe driver becomes even more crucial. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, July and August are the most dangerous months for drivers, with about 116 fatalities occurring daily on average.³ Always watch for children when driving through neighborhoods. If you’re taking a road trip, remember to give truck drivers adequate space on the highways, avoid distractions and take breaks when necessary so you can stay focused and energized.

Get a Tune-Up

Before you hit the road, consider scheduling a routine maintenance checkup for your car at a local, trusted mechanic. Most people don’t have the expertise to check many of the internal components that are greatly impacted by summer heat. You’ll being doing yourself a major favor by ensuring everything is in working order before you do any sort of summer traveling. These are some items drivers should have inspected before a road trip:

• Hoses and belts
• Cooling system
• Engine oil
• Battery
• Fluid levels
• Wiper blades
• Air conditioner
• Headlights and brake lights

Schedule Your Routine Service Appointment Today!

At Honda of Seattle, our certified, Honda-trained technicians know exactly what to look for to ensure your beloved Honda is running at its best this summer. Even if you don’t drive a Honda, we service most makes and models so you can still take advantage of our expert service. Call our service department at 206-382-8800 or visit us online to schedule a service appointment today! 1 https://www.statisticbrain.com/summer-vacation-travel-statistics/ 2 https://one.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/tips/summer/ 3 http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/52/3/2