6 Summer Dangers for Vehicles in Jonesville, NC
Summer Driving Dangers to Watch Out For
1. Tire Blowouts
Hot temperatures can cause the air in your tires to expand and eventually will lead to a blowout during a heatwave. In addition, the cooler weather from the winter tends to deflate tires. This means that tires often have lower pressure, and then the hot weather will heat up the pressure. This can create tire flats and blowouts, which can cause accidents, especially if the tire fails while driving at high speeds. Here are a few tips to prevent your tires from a blowout during the summer:
- Check your tire pressure consistently and frequently
- Have a spare tire in your car, and make sure the spare has the right tire pressure as well.
- Replace tires if there is uneven or excessive wear. Check the built-in wear indicators to determine when you need a change (read our article here for more info)
- Drive around potholes when possible
2. Engine Overheating
Just like tire blowouts, high summer temperatures can affect your engine. If your engine overheats, it could cause a fire or breakdown that can be dangerous on the road. Prepare your car before you drive with this checklist:
- Check engine coolant, hose, and belts frequently
- Get the oil changed each season
- Make sure your air conditioning is working
- If your engine is overheating, pull over immediately and call help. Wait for the engine to completely cool before restarting
3. Summer Is Construction Season
Most construction happens in the spring and summer months. This increases roadblocks, traffic jams, delays, and detours. Additionally, there are injuries that happen weekly in a work zone and crashes, either your car or the construction equipment. This could leave you liable for property damage and more.
- Slow to 10 - 15 below the speed limit in work zones
- Merge early before entering the work zone
- Avoid known construction areas by finding an alternate route
- Anticipate delays and plan for them in your schedule
- Make sure your gas tank is filled to avoid breaking down in traffic jams
4. Rain and Floods
Most weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement and during rainfall. Rain can impact a vehicle’s performance, driver behavior, and uncontrollable speed. Cars can’t stop or speed up as easily on wet roads, which can lead to inaccurate timing and loss of control. Shallow puddles can decrease tire traction and lead to hydroplaning and fishtailing. Drivers tend to have more erratic and nervous behavior in the rain, which is a major contributor to accidents. Follow these tips to avoid an accident in the rain:
- Be aware in the first few minutes after it starts raining. This is when the pavement is very slippery.
- If you start hydroplaning, turn into the spin until you regain control of the wheel
- Replace your windshield wipers in the spring, so they better clear water
- Turn on your windshield wipers at the first sign of rain
- Consistently check and maintain windshield wiper fluid
5. Watch Out for Bicyclists
Bikers will start riding in the summer; however, they can be difficult to see, especially in blind spots. They’re also more vulnerable in a crash, increasing the number of serious injuries and fatalities. To prevent an accident, follow these guidelines:
- Give bikers at least 3 feet of clearance when passing, and check your blind spots
- Treat bikes like slow-moving vehicles
- Be aware when opening car doors, making turns, and changing lanes
- Understand the local bike rules
- Stay alert and avoid distraction while driving
- Be patient
6. Pedestrians
There are more people outside in the summer months, which needs great awareness by drivers. There are a large number of distracted walkers on their mobile phones, which increases the chances of an accident happening.
- Check twice for pedestrians before turning
- Be especially aware in urban areas
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks
- Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk because they could be waiting for pedestrians to pass
- Watch for distracted walkers who are on their phones while crossing the street
Jody’s Automotive Repair and Lube Shop
Driving can be dangerous, especially during the summer. At Jody’s Automotive, we want you to enjoy your summer without worrying about having a tire blowout or engine failure. Located in Jonesville, NC, we make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and taken care of. If you are due for an oil change, new tires, or other maintenance, give us a call today.