Summer Driving Tips

Summer is here. Often, people do not realize just how hot the inside of a vehicle can get. Here are some helpful tips for preparing to drive in the heated weather when you take your prized possession out of the garage.

Tint Your Windows or Buy a Sunshade: Laws vary by state. For instance, Arizona’s tinting law isn’t as strict as in many other states. The law says the front side windows must allow 35% of light to pass through the tint. Steering wheels can burn your hands to the touch after a few minutes in direct sunlight. Sunshades that sit inside your windshield when you leave your car prevent the sun from directly beating on your steering wheel, dash and upholstery. They may also help prevent fading and cracking and are a cost-effective alternative to tinting.

Park in the Shade: There “is” a temperature difference when you park in the shade. Walking an extra 50 feet isn’t such a bad move. It’s good for you. If you can’t park in the shade, figure out which way the sun sets, and make sure you don’t park in the direct path.

Keep These Items in Your Vehicle: Extra water for drinking and for the vehicle, a small towel to place on your seat before you leave the vehicle which will keep the seat from burning you when you sit down, a small bag of snacks or granola that will not spoil or melt from heat, a cooler or insulated shopping bag for keeping items cool on the way home from the store, a cell phone in case you get lost or in trouble, a first aid kit with ACE bandages, wrist brace, sunscreen (Towelettes, not a bottle), tweezers, Motrin or aspirin and an x-acto blade. Emergency items to keep handy include flares, jumper cables, blankets, extra clothes, gloves, paper towels, basic tools like wrenches, a ratchet and sockets, screwdrivers and pliers.

Don’t Leave These Items in Your Vehicle: Chocolate, milk or dairy products, anything packaged under pressure such as hairspray or soda, crayons, gum, lipstick, credit cards and any card with a magnetic strip or plastic.

Service Your Vehicle: Cars need special attention in dry weather and moreso in hot weather. Get your belts, batteries and fluids checked often and change your oil frequently.