Driving long distances in hot weather can be challenging, especially when you’re driving through treacherous areas surrounded by inhabitable environments. However, with adequate preparation, you can ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable journey. In this article, we’ll explore eight expert tips to help you plan a successful, long road trip through hot spring or summer weather.
1. Inspect Your Vehicle
Inspecting your vehicle before a long journey is a preliminary step to a safe, smooth drive in hot weather. Here are some of the essential things to check:
- Check the engine: Get your engine checked by a professional mechanic to avoid unexpected malfunctions.
- Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion: Clean off any signs of corrosion on the battery terminals with a commercial battery terminal cleaner.
- Assess the tires: Check your tire pressure and ensure that the tires are in good condition and properly aligned.
- Check the brakes: Visually inspect the brake pads to confirm their thickness and replace them if necessary.
2. Check Weather Conditions Beforehand
Google Maps and Apple Maps can help you pick the perfect route for your journey, with real-time updates on weather as well as traffic. Mark any areas along your route that report extreme heat, and make sure to be prepared with some snack bars, flares, extra bottles of water, and a satellite phone (if you have one) in case of an emergency.
3. Switch Between Rolling Down the Windows and Using the AC
Roll down the windows when driving at a slow speed since there’s less aerodynamic drag. Once you pick up the pace, roll up the windows and turn on the AC.
4. Park in the Shade
Find a shade at your stop point to prevent harsh sun rays from directly striking your vehicle cabin. Alternatively, leave the windows slightly open or invest in a windshield sunshade to block out some of the heat.
5. Stay Hydrated
Take sufficient amounts of water at intervals spread out through the day to avoid dehydration. Avoid caffeine-packed energy drinks, which are diuretics that can dehydrate you faster.
6. Choose the Right Time To Start Your Journey
Always start your journey when you’re fresh and alert, which is usually early in the morning. Starting off your journey when temperatures are cooler also reduces the chances of an overheated engine.
7. Observe Your Posture
Maintain the right posture while driving to prevent fatigue, neck, feet, arm, and spine problems. Sit in an upright posture, with your back pressed firmly against the seat, and ensure that you can comfortably reach the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedals without struggle.
8. Stay Engaged
Staying engaged with fun activities can help counter drowsy driving. Play some road trip games with your passengers, turn on high-energy music, chew some gum, keep the AC running, and avoid alcohol and other substances that can cause drowsiness while driving.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a long drive in hot summer weather only takes a few hours of planning. Remember to pack emergency supplies, inspect your vehicle, and alert your loved ones of your travel plans beforehand. This way, you can enjoy your drive worry-free, with someone watching out for you in case of an emergency.