We’re well into summer now and so it’s probably time to remind everybody of what to do and what not to do, if you have to drive in the summer heat. Temperatures rise dramatically inside your car in the summertime when you are in the outdoor sunshine, and it really doesn’t help if your car has vinyl seats. That’s no fun at all, especially if you’re wearing shorts.
Right now, temperatures in Chelan and Douglas counties are averaging anywhere from 85 to 95 and occasionally spiking higher.
First off, be prepared.
Keep some bottles of water in the car. Be prepared to take some rest breaks if you’re taking a long drive. Make sure your air conditioning is in good order. None of my early cars had air conditioning, so it was 4 windows rolled down all the time.
Here are the things you need to remember.
Be sure to check your tire pressure. Things expand when they heat up, and that’s true for the air in your tires. Overinflated tires wear out faster. This is especially important if you’re taking a long trip.
Parking in the sun? Use a sunshade. You can use the sunshade in the rear window to keep the heat down for people sitting in the back seat. You can also use one in the front and back for when you park your car to keep the temperature down. A sunshade will also save on the wear and tear on the dash in your car. When parking, think about parking in the shade.
Check your coolant levels. I think this is especially important in older vehicles. If your coolant is low, you need to get that level back where it needs to be. Water is cheaper, but “coolant” works better. Check your favorite auto parts store for coolant.
Have an emergency breakdown kit for summer. Make sure you have plenty of water, snacks that won’t melt, Sunscreen, and an umbrella for shade outside of the car.
Driving a car without air conditioning. The best rule is trying to drive as little as possible, but sometimes you can’t help it. Just remember to drink a lot of water and even though it’s noisy, keep those windows down to get that air moving.
One more thing.
During extreme heat, don’t leave these items in the car. Medications, Important Documents, toys, and groceries.
Take care of yourself this summer and drive safe.