California has set records this year for heat. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we want to make sure that all of our clients know how to stay safe in these extreme temperatures. Not following these tips can not only make it less enjoyable to get from point a to point b, but you could actually have a higher risk of getting involved in an auto accident.
- Check your battery
- Have your car’s air conditioner maintained
- Make sure your tires are ready to take on the hot roads
- Check all your fluids
- Get prepared for a breakdown
When it’s very hot, a car battery can actually become damaged. The issue is the combination of the relentless heat and the vibrations caused when driving. You can’t avoid hot weather, but you can make sure that your battery is attached correctly. It’s also true that battery fluid can evaporate faster in hot temperatures. Take a look at your battery and clean off any type of substances on the cable clamps or battery terminals to prevent them from moving.
Your car’s engine is under a lot of extra pressure when the temperatures shoot up. This is why we recommend you take your car to your local mechanic and have them check your cooling system. Having an AC unit that’s overheating can result in long-term damage to your vehicle and even breakdowns. No one wants be stuck on the side of the road – especially when it can be dangerous.
Check your tire’s pressure to make sure that they aren’t underinflated. Many of today’s newer vehicles have automatic tire gauges that will tell you when there’s an issue. Remember that having underinflated tires can increase the chance that you’ll end up with a flat tire. If that flat tire comes while driving on the interstate, you could be looking at catastrophic injuries.
The fluids in your engine are necessary to keep your vehicle running safely. Various fluids lubricate your vehicle, cool it down, and help keep everything running. As temperatures soar, the fluids in your car will evaporate more quickly. Check them all on a regular basis, including transmission fluid, oil, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. All of these fluids should be full. If they’re not, check your car’s owner’s manual to find out what type of fluids they should be replaced with.
No matter what you do, it’s always possible that your car could break down. Be prepared to spend some time on the side of the road. Your emergency breakdown kit should include water, jumper cables, road flares, food, a flashlight, and an emergency beacon. Of course, your vehicle should have a spare tire as well.
These are five relatively simple things that can help keep you and your passengers safer when the temperatures soar. If you’ve already been in an accident and need legal help, reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free consultation.
