Summer in Greenville means sunny drives, family road trips, and outdoor fun. But before you hit the highway, a little preparation and awareness can go a long way. These tips for seasonal driving safety will help you enjoy hassle-free summer miles.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Safe Travel
First things first – get your car summer-ready. Heat takes a toll on tires, engines, and everything in between.
- Tire Pressure: Hot weather raises tire PSI – about 1 PSI for every 10°F increase. Check your tire pressure monthly (or before a trip) when the tires are cold, and adjust to the recommended level.
- Fluid Levels & A/C: Coolant, brake fluid, and air conditioning all need to perform at peak levels under the summer heat. A quick check with Barbour Hendrick Honda service can prevent breakdowns.
- Brake and Belt Check: Hot pavement wears parts faster. If your brakes feel softer or belts look cracked, have them inspected.
- TPMS Awareness: Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System only displays low tire pressure, not high tire pressure. You will need to inspect the pressure regularly.
A properly maintained vehicle will provide you with better fuel economy, and better steering performance, and prevent you from needing roadside assistance.
Pack Smart: Your Emergency Preparedness Kit
Even if you have a well-prepared vehicle, you still may need to be ready for the unexpected. Before leaving home, don’t forget to pack:
- Water & Non-Perishable Snacks: You will want to stay hydrated and fueled during unexpected delays.
- First-Aid Kit, Flashlight, and Basic Tools: For all of those quick fixes or emergencies you need.
- Jumper Cables & Spare Tire (With Proper Pressure!): Tire problems are prevalent in the heat, and you’ll need to check your spare’s PSI as well.
- Emergency Flares or Reflective Triangle: If you do have to pull over, these could be essential.
- Phone Charger and Road Map: Technology and even cell signals can both fail.
This kit will provide you with a sense of confidence and calm should things ever go sideways.
Practice Safe Driving Habits Behind the Wheel
You’re in control, so keep your head in the game:
- Watch for Driver Fatigue: Heat and an extended driving experience may lead to fatigue. Take breaks whenever you feel tired, try to stop every two hours, drink plenty of water, and switch drivers if possible. Drowsy driving remains a leading cause of summer-related crashes.
- Stay Cool & Focused: Keep on hand shades, sunglasses that help reduce glare and air conditioning. Sun glare can obstruct your view of oncoming hazards; don’t allow it to obstruct your vision.
- Keep Your Distance: Summer roads can become crowded, and heat can make the road surface slippery, so utilize the 3-second rule between vehicles.
- Stay Chill About Speeding: Hot pavement creates more friction with tires and makes brakes less efficient. Staying at the speed limit allows more airflow across your tires and less wear and tear on brakes.
Creating habits that will keep you safe, alert, and reduce frustration even when heavy traffic heats up.
Plan Your Route: Optimize Your Journey
A smart road trip starts with a smart plan:
- Avoid Peak Traffic & Extreme Heat: Early morning starts beat the thermal rush on I-85 or local commuter routes.
- Know Fuel and Rest Stops: Map out backups, especially on longer drives up to Charlotte or through the mountains.
- Weather Check: Summer storms can pop up quickly. If radar shows storms, delay departure or reroute.
- Use Apps & Updates: Real-time navigation apps help avoid construction or heavy traffic, most active in summer.
A planned route keeps your trip smooth with no surprises and no stress.
You might also like: Tips For The Perfect Summer Trip In Your Odyssey
Let’s Take on Summer Safely
Your car, your kit, your habits, and your route. Each piece matters in building a safe, fun summer driving experience. And if your Honda needs a checkup – especially after a long trip – our service team at Barbour Hendrick Honda in Greenville, NC, has you covered. We’ll handle tire pressure, fluid checks, belt inspections, and kit advice so you can get back to sunshine and road trips.
Ready to roll? Let’s make this your best, safest summer yet!
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