Summer Driving: It’s Not Too Hot to Handle Roads Safely

The AAA Auto Club is always busy in our scorching Arizona summer months. The company says it rescues about 100,000 motorists from June through August — and that’s for tire failures alone.The best way to reduce the chances of tire failure is to make sure tires are properly inflated and not excessively worn. First, take a look at the tires to make sure the tread on them is evenly worn (if it isn’t, your tires probably need to be rotated and inspected). Then you can quickly check the extent of the wear by inserting a penny into the tread groove, with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the entire head, take your tires in to have them inspected for possible replacement.The heat makes tires inflate more than normal, which can cause old, worn tires to fail.If your car does have a tire blowout, the most important thing to remember is that if you stay calm, you have a much better chance of staying in control of your vehicle. Avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off of the accelerator, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and ease your car to the side of the road. Sudden, hard braking can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and put you in danger of collidingwith other vehicles.Experts offer additional tips to make summertime driving in the desert safer:    * Make sure to have your car’s cooling system inspected by your mechanic.    * Regularly check the fluid levels (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid) in your car.    * Keep plenty of water in your car so that you and your passengers can stay hydrated if you’re stranded where no immediate help is available.    * Slow down for summer rainstorms. Oil that collects on the roads during dry days can cause dangerous slick spots during storms.    * Never leave an unattended child or pet in your vehicle. Temperatures soar inside parked cars and can reach dangerous levels in minutes.    * Always buckle up and always insist that your passengers do, too.    * Never drink and drive.When gearing up for late summer trips in sweltering weather, these tips can help ensure that you reach your destination safely.