Summer is a great season for road trips, spontaneous getaways, and fun-filled family vacations. Whether you’re heading to a beach, exploring the mountains, or going on a camping trip, you may be thinking about how you can prepare your vehicle for the long drive. At Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana), we understand that getting ready to travel for the summer may come with complications and risks. Here are some useful tips that may help you when driving during the warmer months.

Plan your route

An important part of summer driving is planning your route. While impromptu road trips can be fun, it may be helpful to check road conditions, highway advisories, and the weather forecast before leaving town. If you’re traveling long distances, you may want to schedule regular breaks to stretch your legs and stock up on snacks. Try avoiding driving when you’re fatigued or sleep deprived since being distracted may be a serious safety risk.

Remember, summer can be a peak time for travel, so you may want to plan for longer driving times. Potential traffic, especially if you’re heading to popular destinations, may result in driving for increased periods.

Prepare your vehicle for the summer heat

Depending on where you live, the summer sun and heat may be harsh on both you and your vehicle. Before heading out on your trip, it may be important to check your vehicle or have it assessed professionally. Some things to check may be:

• Tires: Hot weather can cause tire pressure to fluctuate, so checking tire pressure may be crucial. If you can’t do it yourself, a professional can check your tire pressure for you.
• Cooling system: Overheating may be a common issue when driving in the summer. To prevent this, you may want to check your coolant levels in your vehicle. It may be wise to find a mechanic that can assess your coolant level, check for system leaks, and replace the old coolant if needed.
• Battery: High temperatures can be tough on car batteries, so you may need a mechanic to check your battery and charging system before your road trip.
• Air conditioning: Not having operating air conditioning in your car can be a significant problem in the summer months. You may want to have your system checked or recharged if necessary.

Stock your vehicle

Though planning for a summer vacation may be exciting, it can also be important to stock your car in case of an emergency. Putting together a roadside kit may help you in the event of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some things you may want to include in your emergency kit:

• Cell phone charger
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Flares
• Jumper cables
• Tire pressure gauge
• Jack for changing a tire and spare tire
• Water bottles

Packing your car with some of these essentials may help you manage a roadside accident when you’re away from home.

Review your insurance coverage before traveling

Before you hit the road, you may want to review your car insurance coverage. Depending on your policy, auto insurance may help you avoid financial losses in the event of a covered accident. Here are some key coverages to consider that may benefit you:

• Liability coverage: This coverage can help pay for bodily injury and vehicle damage to another driver’s vehicle if you’re at fault.
• Collision coverage: This can help pay for damages to your vehicle after a collision, regardless of who is at fault.

·     Comprehensive coverage: This coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle from certain non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

• Roadside assistance: This can be helpful if you find yourself stuck on the highway or somewhere far from home. Roadside assistance may help replace your tires or tow your vehicle if it can’t be repaired on the spot.

At A Abana, we understand that spending summer vacation with your family and friends is important. If you’re taking a road trip across the states, reviewing or updating your auto insurance coverage may help you navigate certain driving accidents. If you have questions about your policy or need a personalized insurance quote, you can call an agent at 210-899-5401

Disclaimer:

This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.