1. Conduct a full safety inspection of your vehicle before departure. This includes checking the battery’s charge level and whether the engine has any “three leaks” (oil, water, or air). Pay special attention to the tires—inspect them carefully before setting off. And never overlook the spare tire.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and make sure you have enough coolant, and ensure all lights are functioning properly.
3. Replace the lubricating oil in a timely manner.
The persistent high temperatures of summer can cause physical and chemical changes in vehicle components and additives that are less likely to occur in cooler conditions. Therefore, first pay attention to any special vehicle conditions that may arise as a result. For example, lubricating oil may deteriorate—high temperatures reduce its oxidation resistance, which directly leads to oil degradation and reduced lubrication efficiency. In such cases, start by switching to lubricating oil suitable for hot weather. Also, regularly check the oil level and color, comparing it with unused oil. If anything seems off, replace it promptly.
4. Ensure sufficient coolant.
Prolonged high temperatures can cause certain parts to expand and deform, increasing wear on vehicle components. At this time, focus on keeping the vehicle cool—keep an eye on the temperature gauge, and if it shows high readings, stop to let the engine cool down. Also check the coolant level frequently, and top it up when needed.
5. Don’t panic if you experience a lack of power.
In summer, the air expands and its density decreases, reducing the amount of air filling the engine and thus affecting its output power. Tests have shown that when the outside temperature rises from 15°C to 40°C, engine power can drop by 6%–8%. So in hot weather, especially in vehicles with smaller engines, you might often feel a lack of acceleration, largely due to insufficient air intake.
6. Pack essential car tools and spare parts. Breakdowns can happen when you’re on the road, so car tools and a triangular warning sign are absolutely necessary. Also, don’t forget to carry wear-prone parts like the alternator belt and spark plugs—better safe than sorry.
7. Know the road conditions, dining, accommodation, and gas station locations before you go. It’s best to book your hotel room in advance—through a travel agency, local friends, or online travel service information.
8. Bring your ID, driver’s license, vehicle registration, road maintenance fees, purchase tax, vehicle use tax, road maps, insurance documents, and especially your mobile phone in case your car breaks down en route.
9. Always wear your seatbelt while driving, especially on highways. If there are children in the car, make sure the child safety locks are engaged. If there are no kids, it’s better not to lock the doors. This way, in case of an accident, the doors can be easily opened. Locked doors that become deformed from a collision may not open, delaying rescue and worsening the outcome.
10. Avoid wearing sunglasses that are too dark or large and heavy while driving. The dark tint can delay the time it takes for images to reach your brain, distorting your sense of speed and causing wrong judgments.
11. Drivers who haven’t slept well at night and are in a hot cabin may easily feel fatigued or even suffer from heatstroke, which is unsafe for driving. If you feel tired or unwell during the drive, don’t push through. If the issue is mild, getting out of the car to stretch or refresh yourself can help.
Pay Attention to Vehicle Conditions While Driving
1. Prevent tire blowouts
Summer road surface temperatures can often exceed 70°C. Tires that drive for extended periods on such hot roads experience increased internal pressure. If there’s any damage or weak spot on the tire, a blowout can easily occur. Therefore, in summer, maintain the recommended tire pressure. Especially during the intense midday heat, reduce your speed appropriately. Also, keep effective fire extinguishing equipment inside the car.
2. Try to avoid long hours of continuous driving
Under extreme heat, try to avoid prolonged driving. Take breaks when necessary during the trip. When parking, choose shaded and ventilated spots if possible. If the temperature gauge nears the high zone, stop immediately, turn off the engine, and let it cool down. If using water to cool the radiator, be very careful not to wet any electrical wiring. It’s also a good habit to regularly clean the radiator fins—it improves engine cooling and reduces overheating. During maintenance, make sure fan belts aren’t oily to prevent slippage.
Summer heat can rapidly increase the temperature inside a parked car, and a sealed cabin can become lethal to both humans and pets—even if you’re only leaving for a short time, take children or pets with you.
3. Mind the small details
Replace your wiper blades to ensure the best visibility in rainy weather. Wiper rubber blades deteriorate over time, reducing their effectiveness. To maintain clear vision during rain, replace your wipers every two years. Make sure the fuel tank cap is tightly closed—evaporation of fuel and water increases in high temperatures. Keep the cap securely shut and prevent fuel line leaks. Check the coolant level regularly, as well as the engine oil level in the crankcase, brake fluid level in the master cylinder, and the electrolyte density and level in the battery. Top up working fluids as specified when they’re low.
4. Prevent fires
In summer’s heat, never carry flammable or explosive items in your vehicle. If you must carry such items, ensure they’re not placed where they’ll be exposed to direct sunlight. Don’t smoke inside the car to avoid the risk of fire.
5. Watch for braking issues
Brake failure isn’t common, but when it happens, the consequences can be severe. In summer, if your vehicle uses a hydraulic braking system, pay attention to whether the brake fluid is sufficiently filled—high temperatures increase evaporation of all liquids, so consider shortening the brake fluid replacement interval accordingly. Additionally, part of the energy during braking turns into heat absorbed by the braking system. Extended braking can cause the brake pads or shoes to overheat, leading to brake failure. So during frequent braking, make use of engine braking in lower gears.