Hitting The Road This Summer? 7 Essential Safety Tips

It’s summer! Time to hit the road on day trips and vacations. Before loading up your vehicle, our friendly auto mechanics at Al's One Stop Auto have some safety tips to make sure your trip will be a happily memorable ride for you and your family. At our shop we use the latest diagnostic technology to keep your vehicle running safely and economically.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends the following tips for summer driving safety:

• Check your air-conditioner’s performance before leaving on a trip. It will be working harder as temperatures rise and when there are more passengers in the vehicle.

• The interior of your vehicle heats up quickly, even with the windows cracked. Never leave children alone in a vehicle, even for a few minutes. Keep this in mind for pets as well.

• Rubber hoses and belts wear down more quickly in hot weather. Check under the hood for obvious signs of wear such as bulges, blisters or cracks. Get them replaced if there’s any doubt.

• Make sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications, which can be found in the owner’s manual and on the driver’s side door pillar. Check pressure when tires are cold and you haven’t driven for at least three hours. Inspect tires regularly for damage or uneven wear.

• Check to see if the coolant system is full and the coolant is at its proper strength. 

• Periodically check the oil level, especially before a trip. If the level is low, or the oil looks particularly dirty, get it changed.

• The battery, lights and wiper blades should be checked before hitting the road.

At Al's One Stop Auto, our experienced mechanics know how to get your vehicle up to speed this summer, whether you’re heading to the beach or beyond. Drive in to see us, and you’ll drive out with confidence! Please contact us today and ask about our multipoint seasonal checkup.