Be well-prepared for a calm and comfortable journey
A car’s tires are like a person’s feet and are very important for safe travel. Before setting off, check the tires. If you find any bulges, cracks, or other issues, repair or replace them promptly; adjust the tire pressure to a lower value within the specified range to prevent blowouts caused by high temperatures. In addition, hot weather raises road surface temperatures, softening the asphalt and making it more likely to stick to the wheels. When braking, the reduced coefficient of adhesion lowers braking performance, something drivers should be mindful of while driving. Due to the high temperatures in summer, asphalt roads can develop a “mirror effect” under intense sunlight, causing visual illusions. It is therefore recommended to wear suitable sunglasses in bright sunny conditions.
Driving for long periods at high temperatures can easily make drivers irritable, consume more energy, and lead to fatigue, drowsiness, or even heatstroke. Before driving, eat light meals, moderately increase your salt intake, and carry some refreshing medications like essential balm. Also, take more frequent breaks.
Drive carefully on highways
Even short self-driving trips often involve highway driving. When heading to Nansha Wetland, self-drivers typically choose the South China Expressway and Nansha Port Expressway. On the highway, Mr. Yu usually maintains a constant speed, saying that this not only ensures driving safety but also significantly reduces fuel consumption. On the other hand, don’t drive too close to the vehicle in front. The faster you go, the greater the risk of a rear-end collision if you follow too closely. You can refer to the distance markers to maintain a safe following distance. Generally speaking, if you’re driving at 100 km/h, you should keep about 100 meters between you and the car ahead.
It’s important to know in advance where you will exit or change lanes and prepare accordingly. When you’re 500 meters away from an exit or other divergence, slow down and move to the right lane or deceleration lane. Avoid sudden lane changes or emergency braking after passing an exit.
If you need to stop urgently on the highway due to special circumstances, do not stop on the driving lane. Instead, turn on your right turn signal in advance, leave the driving lane, and stop in the emergency stopping lane or on the right shoulder. At the same time, turn on your hazard lights (“double flash”) and place a warning sign 150 meters behind your vehicle.
In case of thunderstorms, reduce your speed by about 20% and minimize lane changes. Turn on your windshield wipers. When visibility is low, make sure to turn on your lights. Since roads are more prone to skidding in the rain, avoid emergency braking or sharp steering, and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead—generally no less than 100 meters in light rain and 200 meters in heavy rain. If you encounter heavy or torrential rain midway, promptly turn on your hazard lights and exit at the nearest exit or enter the closest service area. If the rain is too heavy, it is recommended to pull over to the side of the road to take shelter, while staying away from tall objects such as trees, billboards, and high-voltage power lines to avoid lightning strikes.
Hot weather means your car needs cooling too
After arriving at the destination, Mr. Yu quickly found a shady spot to park. It’s even better if you can prepare proper sunshades for your car, such as aluminum foil sunshades, static cling side window sun covers, and sunshade nets. When parking, besides checking your vehicle’s condition, also pay attention to the surrounding environment. Don’t park near flammable materials like dry grass piles or cardboard boxes to prevent damage from potential fires. Before driving, check under the car for any flammable objects that may have gotten stuck, to avoid unexpected incidents on the road. Additionally, Mr. Yu takes his carbonated drinks out of the car after leaving the driver’s seat to prevent explosions caused by high temperatures. This car safety habit is definitely commendable. With everything well-prepared, a pleasant date begins.