Over 80% of Americans will road trip this summer, with July 4th being the most popular holiday or travel, according to a new survey conducted by GSTV. The NHTSA is advising travelers to drive smart to stay safe this summer. Tips include keeping your gas tank close to full whenever possible, avoiding distractions and speeding, never drink and drive, and always wear your seat belt. Also make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape, and ready for the road by following these tips:
✅ Check for Recalls
Before you head out, check for vehicle recalls. You don't want to be on the road in a vehicle with an open one. You can check by looking up your VIN number on the NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. It will tell you if a vehicle has been repaired as part of a recall in the past 15 years. Head to NHTSA.gov/Recalls.
✅ Service Your Vehicle
Make sure you’re regularly upkeeping your vehicle by checking tire pressure and condition, wiper blades, fluid levels, lights, batteries, coolant and floor mats. Before a trip You'll want to:
Inspect belts and hoses: Hot temperatures can accelerate the degradation of rubber belts and hoses. Look under the hood to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks or cuts in those parts, and replace them if there are signs of wear.
Check battery and charging system: Have a mechanic check your battery and charging system and make any necessary repairs or replacements. For hybrid-electric vehicles, keep gasoline in the tank to support the engine. Visit NHTSA’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicle guide for more information on high-voltage batteries.
Check the Air Conditioning: You do not want your A/C to go out on the road. It works harder to keep your vehicle cool during the summer, and a lack of A/C on a hot day could be dangerous for vehicle occupants, particularly children and the elderly.
Replace Wiper Blades If Needed: Like rubber belts and hoses, wiper blades are vulnerable to the summer heat. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear on both sides. The blades can also deform and fail to work properly in both directions. If they're not in top condition, invest in new ones before you go.
✅ Make Sure Your Tires Are Correctly Maintained
Tire Pressure
Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a placard located on the driver’s side door frame. The correct pressure is NOT the number listed on the tire. Be sure to check tires when they are cold, which means the car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours.
Also follow these additional tips:
- Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips. It only takes about five minutes. Check your spare tire as well..
- Look closely at your tread and replace tires that have uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires.
- Check out NHTSA.gov/Tires for tire ratings before buying new ones
Tire Age
Check the age of each tire. You'll find our guide on how to do that here. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use, but refer to our extensive advice on tires.
✅ Check Your Floor Mats
Make sure your floor mats are properly installed. If they're not they could interfere with the operation of the gas accelerator or brake pedal an increase the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation, use retention clips to secure the mat and prevent it from sliding forward, and always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.
Also don't forget to:
✅ Know Your Car & Its Driving Assistance Features
Take time to look at your hard copy or digital owners manual so you can familiarize yourself with your vehicle's features, including its driver assistance features. If you're renting a car, become familiar with it before driving off the lot.
✅ Plan Your Travel and Route, Know EV Charging Stations Locations
Plan your route and check the road conditions, weather forecast and traffic before you leave. Always familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS system, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time. Also if you drive an EV, know where charging stations are along your journey. Typically you'll be able to find those in your vehicle's in-car system but it doesn't hurt to also look them up before you go. There are also new apps that can help you plan your trip.
Other safety tips offered by NHTSA:
✅ Secure your load
- If something won’t fit in your trunk, make sure you know how to properly secure your load on your vehicle or trailer. NHTSA says unsecured loads not only endanger you, but also other road users and pedestrians.
✅ Avoid Heatstroke
- The NHTSA reminds you to never leave children alone in the car. Even on a 60-degree day with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly reach deadly levels. Visit NHTSA.gov/Heatstroke for more tips on how to prevent heatstroke.
✅ Pack an Emergency Kit
- Also bring along an emergency kit that includes a cell phone and charger, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, nonperishable food, water and other important items in case your vehicle breaks down.
Read more NHTSA road safety tips here.
Photo Credit Mazda.