With the sun beaming and temperatures rising, it’s natural to want to go and experience the wonder of the outdoors. Now, more than ever, people are clamoring to get outside and appreciate nature. But, before you start speeding out of your driveway, take a moment and refresh yourself with these easy-to-remember ways to stay safe when driving during the summer. How to Stay Safe on the Roads This Summer Stay Alert and Have a Plan Picture this: You’re halfway to your destination when suddenly a line of perpendicularly-parked Sheriff’s vehicles comes into sight. A Sheriff approaches and tells you this highway is closed due to an unforeseen obstruction. Oh well. You pull up your phone and realize it isn’t picking up a strong enough signal to pull up turn-by-turn navigation. You’re suddenly stuck. Thankfully, this situation is easily avoided. Make sure to download alternate directions that can get you to your destination. Once you’re on the road, eliminate any potential sources of distraction that may interfere with your ability to drive safely. That means you should try to avoid looking at your phone or eating while driving whenever possible. Lastly, if you feel yourself getting drowsy at any point while driving, immediately come to a stop and call the number of someone who can assist you. Keep Your Vehicle’s Fluids Up Winter takes a toll on our vehicle’s fluid levels. The season’s consistent low-temperature and frozen precipitation degrades the fluids’ quality and durability. Crucial fluids to regularly check on and top up include your vehicle’s brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of performing this sort of maintenance yourself, be sure to take advantage of our limited time service specials to save time and money while making your summer safer. Check Your Oil Before you check your own oil, make sure the engine is off and that it’s cold to the touch. With the engine off, open the car’s hood and find its dipstick. Pull the dipstick out completely and wipe off any oil or other residue that’s stuck to it. Once the dipstick is completely cleaned off, completely insert back into its compartment. Then, pull it out again. After pulling it out, you want to look for the point on the dipstick where the new coat of oil ends. Every engine has some way of indicating proper oil levels. If the oil on the dipstick is below the specified appropriate level, you need to add oil. However, if you notice your oil is dark and gritty looking, you may need to take your vehicle in for a professional service checkup. Get Your Vehicle Serviced in Madison, WI One quick appointment with our service center can help make your vehicle ready to safely transport your beach crew. Our dedicated technicians will work with you to give your car the exact care it needs at exactly the right price.
