
Here is a relevant introduction to summer driving precautions: 1. Avoid fatigue driving: Summer days are long and nights are short, with high temperatures leading to significant physical exertion, especially at noon when fatigue and drowsiness are common. Therefore, ensure sufficient sleep to stay energetic. If you feel drowsy while driving, pull over promptly and take a short break until you regain full alertness before continuing. 2. Choose and use sunglasses correctly: With ample sunlight in summer, many drivers wear sunglasses. Avoid overly dark lenses; opt for polarized sunglasses instead, as they filter harmful glare and reduce eye strain during driving. 3. Do not drive in slippers: Never compromise safety for comfort by wearing slippers while driving. Slippers lack secure foot grip, and summer heat increases foot perspiration, making sudden maneuvers hazardous. Similarly, avoid high heels—both pose risks. Keep a pair of flat shoes in the car and switch into them when driving.

When driving out in summer, I’m used to reducing tire pressure in advance to avoid high-temperature periods and prevent blowouts. If the car interior temperature exceeds 60°C, don’t rush to turn on the AC—first open the windows for ventilation for three minutes to avoid catching a cold from sudden temperature changes. Before setting off, place two bottles of ice water in the cup holders to quench thirst and stay refreshed. Remember to apply a sunshade film on the windshield, or the dashboard plastic parts will surely age after two years of sun exposure. Families with kids should pay attention to the sweat-trapping fabric of child safety seats—I always bring a gel cooling pad for my child.

In hot weather, cars tend to act up. I pop the hood every week to check if the coolant level is adequate and if the radiator is clogged with willow catkins. Older cars require extra attention to wiring—cracked insulation can lead to short circuits and spontaneous combustion. Before long trips, I always test the AC vent temperature; only when it's below 10°C do I dare hit the road with the whole family. I keep jumper cables and a tow strap in the trunk at all times—a car battery's lifespan in high heat drops to just 60% of its winter performance.

When traveling with elderly and children, I break the journey into shorter segments, stopping every two hours in shaded areas to stretch our legs. A child safety seat with mesh breathable fabric is a must—leather ones turn into grills under the sun. A car fridge is highly practical; chilled mung bean soup beats energy drinks for cooling down. Hanging a sunshade in the back reduces temperature by 7-8°C, preventing kids' cheeks from getting scorched against the hot window.

Don't panic in heavy rain, maintaining a safe distance is key. Replace wiper blades with silicone ones in advance, as rubber deteriorates quickly and won't wipe clean. Before crossing waterlogged sections, observe the water depth from preceding vehicles - for sedans, don't exceed one-third of tire height. If you smell burning, immediately turn off the AC and open windows - it's likely belt slippage. In summer, replace tires with tread depth below 3mm as wet road braking distance doubles.


