What are the precautions for driving in hot weather?
4 Answers
Precautions for driving in hot weather are as follows: 1. Pay attention to tires: Summer temperatures are very high, and car tires are made of rubber. High temperatures can easily cause tire overheating. If the road conditions are poor, with hot and sharp small stones or other objects on the road, they can easily scratch the overheated tires. 2. Beware of aging: Hot weather and prolonged exposure to the sun can accelerate the aging of vehicle components, especially at connection points. 3. Ensure ventilation for health: Sitting in a closed, air-conditioned cabin for long periods can lead to drowsiness due to poor air circulation, which is detrimental to driving safety and health.
On hot days, I pay the most attention to the vehicle's condition. The engine coolant level should be checked regularly to avoid the radiator boiling over. The cabin air filter should also be replaced frequently; otherwise, the airflow decreases and the cooling effect worsens. Before turning on the AC, I usually open the windows for ventilation for a minute and then close them—this cools the car faster and saves fuel. Tire pressure shouldn't be too high or too low, as incorrect pressure combined with hot road surfaces can easily lead to a blowout. Never leave lighters or aerosol cans—flammable items—inside the car, and even water bottles in the trunk should be kept out of direct sunlight. Once, I forgot, and the plastic bottles ended up deformed. During long highway drives, I bring two bottles of water and take breaks at rest stops every two hours to avoid heatstroke and drowsiness.
In hot weather, my driving principle is prevention first. Before each trip, I spend five minutes checking the car's condition, looking for bulges or cracks in the tires, and feeling the aging level of the pipes in the engine compartment. A sunshade must be installed on the windshield; otherwise, the seats get too hot to sit on, and the steering wheel becomes hot enough to fry an egg. When using the air conditioner, I set it around 24°C—too low can easily cause a cold and waste fuel, and if cooling is insufficient, remember to clean the condenser. When taking kids out, I remotely start the air conditioner 20 minutes in advance and cover the metal buckles of the child safety seat with cloth to prevent burns that could make them cry. Don’t forget to keep some Ren Dan or Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui in the glove compartment for emergency relief in case of sudden heatstroke.
After driving for ten years, what I fear most in summer is a tire blowout. When driving on the highway in high temperatures, you must check the tire pressure gauge. Keeping the tire pressure 0.2 bar above the standard value is sufficient—never over-deflate the tires just to keep them cool, as underinflated tires generate more friction and heat up faster. Pay attention to rubber hoses as well, especially in cars older than five years. Cooling hoses and vacuum lines in the engine bay can become brittle from heat and may start leaking. Don’t set the air conditioning too low—26°C is reasonable, as a temperature difference exceeding 10°C from the outside can easily cause motion sickness. Always use aluminum foil sunshades for reflection; ordinary plastic ones are ineffective. If you smell burning, pull over immediately—it could be due to overheated wiring causing a short circuit, and if it ignites, it’s a serious problem.
