What should be paid attention to when driving in hot weather?
3 Answers
When driving in hot weather, the following precautions should be taken: 1. Conduct a thorough vehicle inspection: Check the tires. In summer, tires should not be over-inflated, and tire pressure should be normal; inspect the tread depth, as shallow treads can affect traction and braking, and increase the risk of blowouts; look for any punctures or external damage on the tire surface. Check the engine oil, radiator, and windshield washer fluid levels to ensure they are adequate. Inspect the dashboard, gearshift, steering, and brakes inside the cabin for normal operation. Additionally, it is advisable to carry a fire extinguisher, warning triangle, and escape hammer in the vehicle for emergencies. 2. Avoid placing flammable or explosive items in the car: Lighters, canned beverages, paper, perfumes, and other flammable items should not be left in areas exposed to direct sunlight, as they can easily catch fire under intense heat, leading to severe consequences. 3. Prevent vehicle self-ignition in high temperatures: Self-ignition is mainly caused by electrical leaks or fuel leaks. Poor maintenance, aging parts, and damaged wiring can lead to electrical leaks. A corroded fuel tank over time can also cause fuel leaks, so preventing self-ignition starts with proper vehicle maintenance. 4. Adjust tire pressure promptly: High road temperatures in summer reduce tire heat dissipation, increasing the risk of blowouts. Therefore, tire pressure should be lowered. After long-distance driving, park the vehicle in a shaded area to allow the tires to cool naturally. Avoid pouring cold water on them to prevent deformation. 5. Inspect the cooling system: Ensure the thermostat is functioning correctly and never remove it. The thermostat controls the coolant circulation, maintaining the engine at an optimal operating temperature for maximum power, minimal wear, and lowest fuel consumption. Removing it can cause part wear, and low coolant temperature can reduce power and increase fuel consumption.
Having driven for over a decade, I fear summer heat damage to my car the most. The risk of tire blowouts takes top priority—tire pressure should be about 0.2 bar lower than in winter, as the principle of thermal expansion and contraction applies to tires too. Always check the coolant level before setting off; last year, I saw a car stranded on the highway with a boiled-over radiator. Use a sunshade when parking—sun-damaged dashboard plastic is minor, but a steering wheel too hot to grip is serious. Keep two or three bottles of water in the glove compartment; staying hydrated during high-temperature traffic jams can be a lifesaver. Oh, and avoid overly dark sunglasses—they can impair vision when entering or exiting tunnels.
Last time during a self-drive tour in hot weather, I almost had an accident. Don't place the car fire extinguisher at the bottom of the trunk; you need to be able to grab it quickly if there are signs of spontaneous combustion. Using a soda can as a sunshade is a clever money-saving trick to prevent leather seats from cracking. Parents with kids should beware: the car interior can exceed 60°C after just half an hour in the sun. I always check the back seat before locking the car. Leaving the window slightly open? Thieves will teach you a lesson in no time. It's better to remotely start the air conditioning to cool down the car before driving; most domestic cars priced around 100,000 yuan now come with this feature. Raise your hand if you've ever done something dumb like spilling a cold drink on the dashboard.
