Summer Driving Tips

With summer officially arriving in Pennsylvania, PennDOT reminds motorists to make sure their vehicles are working properly before hitting the road for that family vacation.
Please consider these summer driving tips to ensure safe travel.

To help avoid over-heating, a car´s cooling system, engine hoses, drive belts and battery should be inspected by a mechanic.
Motorists should regularly check fluid levels and tire tread depth. To quickly check the tire tread, insert a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln´s head upside down - if you can see the entire head, your tires are worn and should be replaced.
For maximum fuel efficiency, tires should be properly inflated. Hot weather can cause air pressure inside the tire to expand, causing a blowout if the tire is in poor condition.
Motorists should use extra caution while driving during a rainstorm, particularly after an extended period without rain, since extreme heat causes oils deposited from vehicles to be absorbed into the road and slick spots can result during rainstorms.
Motorists should enhance their hot-weather preparedness with an emergency kit that should be stocked with things that would be needed in the event of a breakdown, such as water, necessary medications, first aid supplies and portable cooling devices, such as battery-powered fans.
Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, which can heat up quickly during hot weather.
When traveling a long distance, try to plan your trip for early in the day or later in the evening when the weather is cooler.
Carry a cell phone and charger in case of emergency.
State law requires headlights to be turned on any time the wipers are in use due to rain, fog or other conditions.
Remember to always buckle up and never drink and drive.