Summer driving often comes with some unexpected minor issues. So when you’re hitting the road in the summer, don’t just get lost in the beautiful scenery—make sure to give your vehicle a thorough check beforehand. And if you run into any problems while driving, stay calm and handle them properly to ensure a safe journey.
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 don’t forget to check the spare tire as well.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and ensure you have enough coolant and other essentials. Make sure 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, you should first be aware of some unique vehicle conditions that may arise. For example, lubricating oil may deteriorate. The high summer heat weakens the oil’s oxidation resistance, which directly leads to oil degradation and reduced lubrication performance. In such cases, start by switching to lubricating oil suitable for high temperatures. Also, regularly check the oil level and color. Compare it with unused oil—if anything seems off, replace it promptly.
4. Ensure there is enough 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. Monitor the temperature gauge—if the reading is high, it’s wise to stop and let the engine cool down. Also, frequently check the coolant level 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%. Therefore, in hot weather—especially for cars with smaller engines—it’s common to feel a lack of acceleration, often due to insufficient air intake.
6. Bring all necessary car tools and spare parts. Vehicle breakdowns are inevitable during road trips. So, essential tools and a warning triangle are absolutely necessary. Also, don’t forget to carry wear-prone parts like the generator belt and spark plugs—better safe than sorry.
7. Know the road conditions, dining options, accommodation, and gas station locations before you go. It’s best to book your hotel room in advance, either through a travel agency, local friends, or online travel service information.
8. Carry your ID, driver’s license, vehicle registration, road maintenance fee, purchase tax, vehicle use tax, road maps, insurance documents, and especially don’t forget your mobile phone in case your car breaks down en route.
9. Always wear your seatbelt while driving, especially on highways. If you’re traveling with children, make sure the child safety lock is engaged. If there are no kids in the car, 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 impact may not open, delaying rescue and leading to more serious consequences.
10. Avoid wearing overly dark or large, heavy sunglasses while driving. The dark tint can delay the time it takes for images to reach your brain, causing distorted speed perception and poor judgment.
11. Drivers who lack sleep at night, coupled with a hot cabin, are prone to fatigue and drowsiness,
Pay attention to the vehicle's condition while driving
1. Prevent tire blowouts
In summer, road surface temperatures often exceed 70°C. When a car's tires run on high-temperature roads for extended periods, internal tire pressure increases, and any damage or weak spots in the tires can easily lead to a blowout. Therefore, it’s important to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure during summer. In particularly hot weather, especially at noon, reduce your speed appropriately. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with effective fire-extinguishing equipment.
2. Try to avoid prolonged driving
Under conditions of extreme heat, try to avoid driving for long periods. Take regular breaks while on the road. When parking, choose shaded and well-ventilated areas whenever possible. If the temperature gauge needle approaches the high zone, you must stop the vehicle and turn off the engine to let it "cool down." If using water to cool the radiator, be very careful not to wet the electrical wiring. It’s a good habit to regularly clean the radiator fins, as this can improve the engine's cooling efficiency, reduce overheating, and during maintenance, ensure that the fan belt is free of oil to prevent slippage.
In hot summer weather, leaving your vehicle parked in the open can cause the interior temperature to rise sharply. A sealed cabin can become lethal to both humans and animals, so even if you’re leaving for just a short time, take children or pets with you.
3. Pay attention to small details
Replace your wiper blades to ensure the best visibility in rainy conditions. The rubber blades on wipers degrade over time and can affect wiping performance. To maintain clear visibility during rain, it’s advisable to replace your wiper blades every two years. Always make sure the fuel tank cap is tightly closed. In high temperatures, evaporation of fuel and water naturally increases. Ensure the fuel tank cap is securely fastened, prevent fuel leakage from hoses, and regularly check the coolant level in the radiator, the engine oil level in the crankcase, the brake fluid level in the master cylinder, and the electrolyte density and level in the battery. When working fluids are low, replenish them promptly according to regulations.
4. Prevent fires
In summer, due to the hot weather, do not carry flammable or explosive items in your vehicle. If you must carry such items, ensure they are not placed in areas of the vehicle that will be exposed to direct sunlight. Do not smoke inside the car to avoid the risk of fire.
5. Pay attention to braking issues
Although brake failure is not common, its consequences can be severe when it occurs. In summer, if your vehicle uses a hydraulic braking system, pay attention to whether there is enough brake fluid. Due to the heat, all types of fluids evaporate more easily, so it’s wise to shorten the brake fluid replacement interval during the summer. Additionally, during braking, some of the energy is converted into heat absorbed by the braking system. Prolonged braking can cause the brake pads or shoes to overheat, potentially leading to brake failure. Therefore, when frequent braking is required, make more use of engine braking by shifting to lower gears.