What should be paid attention to when driving in hot weather?

[Leonardo]

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.

[VonValerie]

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.

[McBennett]

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.

[DelMadelyn]

The auto repair shop owner told me that the vehicle failure rate doubles in hot weather. Key areas to check include the cooling fan, and the radiator clogged with willow catkins is like being wrapped in a quilt. Switching to 5W-30 engine oil offers better heat resistance—don’t cheap out with mineral oil. If the AC isn’t cooling well, don’t rush to recharge the refrigerant; first check if the condenser is blocked by insect debris. Fun fact: Wiper blades lose a third of their lifespan in scorching heat—propping them up can extend their life by a month. Older cars’ fuel systems need extra attention, as gasoline evaporates faster, increasing the risk of vapor lock.

[SanMichael]

Novice drivers must remember three "don'ts": Don't wash the car immediately in high temperatures as it damages the paint, don't place perfume on the dashboard as it may explode, and don't leave pets in the car as it can be fatal. Last week, I helped a neighbor retrieve a hairpin stuck in the window button; plastic parts become unusually soft this season. It's advisable to keep a heat-insulating steering wheel cover handy, as a leather one can become hotter than a frying pan after sun exposure. I've seen passengers barefoot on the dashboard—the cost of burn ointment could cover ten taxi rides. If you notice a strange smell from the AC, don't ignore it; it's likely mold in the evaporator causing the issue.

[DaniellaFitz]

Electricity consumption surges when driving in hot weather. Choose a metal-shell power bank for your phone as it dissipates heat better—I’ve burned out three plastic ones. Applying rain repellent to windows in advance saves more power than using air conditioning to defog. Bring an ice silk seat cushion for long trips to keep your back from sweating. Avoid parking on dry grass temporarily, as the catalytic converter’s temperature can ignite it. The ultimate trick is carrying a spray bottle with mint water—a couple of sprays on your neck is more refreshing than turning on the AC. Some owners lay reflective film under the windshield, which reportedly reduces temperature by 7–8°C. Remember to stretch at rest stops every two hours—the seats really do get scorching hot.