Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Offers Summer Driving Tips

TOPEKA, Kas. For many, summertime usually means vacations and summer road trips. The Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office (KTSRO) says now is a good time to review these summer driving safety tips. A little planning and some safety checks might spare you from dealing with the consequences of a breakdown — or worse, a highway crash. Summer Changes:

Air Conditioning: As the temperature rises, the A/C has to work harder to keep a vehicle cool. Check A/C performance before traveling. A lack of air conditioning on a hot summer day affects everyone, but is particularly dangerous for people who are in poor health or who are sensitive to heat, such as children or older adults.

Heatstroke: The summer months have proven to be especially deadly for children when it comes to vehicular heatstroke. Heatstroke in vehicles often occurs when a child is left alone in a parked vehicle or manages to get into an unattended vehicle. Never leave children alone in the car—not even for a few minutes. Vehicles heat up quickly. Even if the outside temperature is in the 70s and the windows are cracked, the temperature in a vehicle can rapidly reach deadly levels. A child’s body temperature rises 3-5 times faster than an adult’s.

Belts and Hoses: High summer temperatures accelerate the rate at which rubber belts and hoses degrade. Look under the hood and inspect all belts and hoses to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks or cuts in the rubber. It’s best to replace them now if they show signs of obvious wear. While you’re at it, make sure all hose connections are secure. Vehicle Checks: Check for Recalls: NHTSA’s Recalls Look-up Tool lets you enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to quickly learn if your vehicle has a critical safety issue that has not been repaired, and how to get that repair done for free. You can also download NHTSA’s SaferCar app and enter your vehicle and equipment information. If a recall is issued, you’ll get an alert on your phone.

Tires: 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, and don’t forget to check your spare if your vehicle is equipped with one.

Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle.

A tire doesn’t have to be punctured to lose air. All tires naturally lose some air over time. In fact, underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure.

Some other tips:

Inspect tires at least once a month and before long road trips.

Look closely at your tread and replace tires that have uneven wear or insufficient tread.

Tread should be at least 1/16th of an inch on all tires. Look for the built-in wear bar indicators or use the penny test to determine when it’s time to replace tires. Place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If the top of Lincoln’s head can be seen, the vehicle needs new tires.

If tires have uneven wear across the tires’ tread, it means the tires need rotation and/or the wheels need to be aligned before traveling.

Check each tire’s age. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of use.

An inspection is not just about checking tire pressure and age. Remember to check:

For any damage or conditions that may need attention;

The tread and sidewalls for any cuts, punctures, bulges, scrapes, cracks, or bumps. The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires; and your spare tire.

If there is tire damage, take your vehicle to a tire professional.

Cooling System: Make sure there is enough coolant in the vehicle, and that the coolant meets manufacturer specifications. See the vehicle owner’s manual for recommendations on coolant. Have the cooling system checked for leaks, test the coolant, and, drain or replace old coolant as needed.

Fluid Level: Check your vehicle’s oil level periodically. As with coolant, if it’s time or even nearly time to have the oil changed, now would be a good time to do it. Also check the following fluid levels: brake, automatic transmission or clutch, power steering, and, windshield washer.

Make sure each reservoir is full; if there are any signs of fluid leakage, take the vehicle in to be serviced.

Batteries: Have a mechanic check the battery and charging system, and have them make any necessary repairs or replacements. For hybridelectric vehicles, keep gasoline in the tank to support the gasoline engine.

Lights: Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and, interior lights. Be sure to also check trailer brake lights and turn signals.

Wiper Blades: After winter storms and spring rains, windshield wiper blades may need to be replaced. 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 aren’t in top condition, invest in new ones before you go.

Floor Mats:

Improperly installed floor mats in the vehicle may interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use retention clips to secure them. Always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.

Protect Yourself and Loved Ones: Seat

Belts: Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Ensure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up in age- and sizeappropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts.

Car Seats: Remember that all children under age 13 should always ride properly buckled in the back seat.

Make sure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and that any children are in the right seat for their ages and sizes. See NHTSA’s child passenger safety recommendations to find the right seat for each child’s age and size.

Visit NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a free car seat inspection station near by or to get information on virtual inspections.

Never leave a child unattended in or around a vehicle.

Always remember to lock vehicles and to keep keys out of reach so children do not play or get trapped inside.

Backing Out/Parking: Before backing out of a driveway or parking spot, prevent backovers by walking around the vehicle to check for children running and playing.