Summer Driving Tips
Summer driving tips are crucial as the season brings high risks like engine overheating and tire blowouts. Learn how to stay safe on the road this summer with expert advice from Tuber Towing, your Edmonton towing pros.
At Tuber Towing, your trusted towing and roadside recovery experts in the Edmonton region, we care about your safety year-round. That’s why we’ve put together these essential summer driving tips to help you steer clear of breakdowns, accidents, and unexpected roadside emergencies this July, August, and September.
1. Vent the Heat: Crack Windows and Use the A/C
When your vehicle has been sitting in the sun, the inside can feel like an oven. To cool things down quickly, roll down the windows and turn on the air conditioning while you drive for a few minutes. This helps push the trapped hot air out and allows cool air to circulate faster.
Driving in extreme heat can be mentally and physically exhausting. By cooling down your cabin efficiently, you’re helping yourself stay more alert, more focused, and less irritated behind the wheel. Distracted driving caused by discomfort is more common than people think — so stay cool, literally.
2. Check Tire Tread and Watch for Uneven Wear
Your tires take a beating in the summer, especially during long drives or hot pavement conditions. Tire blowouts are far more common in the summer due to rising temperatures and high-speed travel.
Check your tires for uneven wear by examining the wear bars — these are built-in indicators located between the tread grooves. If the tread is level with the wear bars, it’s time to replace the tire. Also, look for signs of bulging, cracks, or irregular tread patterns that could signal alignment or suspension issues.
Don’t forget to check your tire pressure regularly, especially during heat waves. Overinflated or underinflated tires can reduce traction and increase the risk of a blowout.
3. Monitor and Maintain Fluid Levels
Your vehicle’s fluids are its lifeblood — and during summer, they’re more important than ever. High temperatures can strain your engine, transmission, and brakes, increasing the likelihood of overheating or mechanical failure.
Here are the key fluids to check:
- Engine Oil: Make sure the oil level is within the recommended range and that it’s clean. Dark, dirty oil needs to be changed.
- Coolant (Antifreeze): Check the coolant reservoir and make sure it’s filled to the appropriate level. If your vehicle is overheating frequently, it could signal a coolant leak or faulty radiator.
- Brake Fluid: Your brake fluid should be clear or light amber. If it looks dark or cloudy, have it replaced.
- Transmission Fluid and Power Steering Fluid: These are equally essential in keeping your vehicle functioning smoothly, especially in high-heat conditions.
Checking your fluids once every few weeks — or before any long trip — can help you avoid costly breakdowns and keep your car in top shape all summer long.
4. Turn the Steering Wheel Before You Park
Here’s a tip most drivers never think about: turn the steering wheel slightly before parking. Why? When your car sits in the sun for a while, the steering wheel can get extremely hot — especially in the position you normally grip while driving. By turning the wheel slightly before shutting off the engine, you ensure the hottest part isn’t where your hands will go when you return.
It’s a small trick, but it makes a big difference in comfort and safety. Grabbing a scorching-hot steering wheel can cause a driver to flinch or lose focus, which can lead to unsafe driving behavior right from the start.
5. Watch for Overheating
If your engine temperature gauge starts to climb, don’t ignore it. Overheating is one of the most common reasons drivers call for roadside assistance in the summer.
To avoid this:
- Keep your coolant topped off.
- Pull over and shut off the engine if you see steam or a warning light.
- Never open a hot radiator cap — wait until the engine cools down completely.
If you’re unsure of the cause or you’re stuck on the side of the road, call Tuber Towing for fast, professional help. Our team is equipped to assist with overheating, towing, and emergency vehicle recovery across Edmonton and the surrounding areas.
Bonus Tip: Stay Hydrated and Rested
You’re not the only thing heating up during the summer — your body is, too. Drivers often forget to take care of themselves during long trips. Keep water in the car, wear sunglasses to reduce glare, and take breaks if you’re driving for more than a couple of hours. Fatigue can be just as dangerous as mechanical failure.
Tuber Towing Is Here for You — Day or Night
At Tuber Towing, we’re more than just a recovery crew — we’re your local road safety partners. Whether you’re prepping for a summer road trip or find yourself stuck on a backroad in the heat, you can count on us for fast, friendly, and professional service 24/7.
Call us anytime at 587-59-TUBER (587-598-8237) for towing, recovery, or roadside assistance across the Edmonton region.
Stay safe this summer, keep your vehicle cool and maintained, and never hesitate to reach out if you need help. Tuber Towing’s got your back — and your bumper.
See Us in Action on YouTube: TuberTaylor
Want to see how we handle real-life summer breakdowns, overheating emergencies, and towing challenges? Head over to our YouTube channel TuberTaylor and check out behind-the-scenes footage, towing tutorials, recovery missions, and safety tips straight from the field.
Whether you’re a road tripper, RV owner, or just curious about how pros handle tough towing situations, our videos show what Tuber Towing is all about — real work, real recoveries, and real dedication to driver safety.
- Subscribe today and stay ready for whatever the road throws your way.