In those hot months, the fluids in your car may dry up much more quickly. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to check your fluid levels and top everything off. These fluids include your coolant, oil, transmission, brake, power steering, and windshield wiper fluids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s quite a fluid checklist. But getting them topped off will keep you safe all summer long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check Tire Inflation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Many drivers don\u2019t pay close attention to their tire inflation levels. And that\u2019s why flat tires often seem an unwelcome surprise to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that can be even worse during the summer because every time the temperature increases by 10 degrees, it increases the pressure on your tires by one pound. So if you make sure the tires are sufficiently inflated, you don\u2019t have to worry as much about unexpected flats or dangerous blowouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invest in a Sun Shield<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sure, they look a little goofy when you see them through a windshield<\/a>. But if you\u2019re going to be driving around Louisiana in the summer, it\u2019s important to invest in a good sun shield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This shield keeps the interior of your car from getting too hot while you are outside of the vehicle. Not only will it keep you comfortable once you get back in your car, but these sun shields can help protect any possessions inside from the oppressive heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not a mechanic, you may be nervous about popping the hood open and making an assessment. But one thing you can check on is the state of your belts and hoses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the belts and\/or hoses are in rough shape, you will see things like blisters, bulges, cuts, and cracks. In addition, the summer heat has a negative effect on the rubber material, making it more likely for degraded belts and hoses to fully break down on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long story short? Try to have your belts and hoses replaced at the beginning of the summer to play it safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summer is the perfect time for a road trip or full-blown vacation with kids out of school and the days nice and warm. But before you hit the road, be sure to research things like directions and weather conditions related to your destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend using driving apps such as Google Maps because printed directions may have old and out-of-date information. Similarly, we recommend checking the 10-day forecast for your destination. For all you know, you could be driving right into the path of a nasty tropical storm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For maximum peace of mind, consider getting a Roadside Assistance Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good bag includes cell phone chargers, jumper cables, first aid kits, repair tools, water, blankets, and towels. If you\u2019re pretty handy, you might also throw a tire pressure gauge<\/a> and a jack into your bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can customize this bag to your exact needs. But simply having an emergency bag in your car will help you prepare for the unexpected while driving during the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Going on a long trip? We recommend you try to stop every couple of hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These stops give you a chance to stretch your legs, respond to text messages and phone calls, and even grab snacks and food if you\u2019re hungry. Plus, these frequent stops can keep you from getting too sleepy. Finally, for those with passengers, you can use these stops to swap drivers to further reduce the threat of accidentally falling asleep at the wheel, which can have deadly consequences!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier, we talked about the importance of checking on your brake fluids. On a similar note, it\u2019s very important to inspect the quality of your brake pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with belts and hoses, brake pads will show visible wear and tear to the naked eye, even if you have no experience fixing up cars. And you are likely to hear an unpleasant noise when applying the brakes long before you lift the hood \u2014 this is a sure sign the brake pad needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to know that if you end up driving through any flash floods during the summer, be sure you take the time to dry your brakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a parent, taking your children on special trips is an amazing feeling. But it\u2019s important to follow certain tips to make traveling with children safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, make sure your kids are buckled in. Then, for maximum safety, have them buckle down in the backseat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, make sure to never leave your children unattended in the car. This is always a bad idea, and in the Louisiana summer heat, it can be a fatal mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Third, don\u2019t be afraid to let your children play with something like a portable DVD player or even a phone. If you can keep them passively entertained on a long car ride, it reduces how often they will distract you with questions and complaints, including the classic question: \u201cAre we there yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n While these tips will keep you safe, nothing protects you quite like a good insurance policy. But do you know where you can find the best car insurance in Louisiana?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here at USAgencies, we specialize in protecting you and your family. If you\u2019re ready to get the best car insurance. You can request a quote online<\/a>, visit us at the nearest office<\/a>, or call us at 800-420-3712<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInspect Your Belts and Hoses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Research Destinations and Weather Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"african](\"http:\/\/local.usagencies.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/07\/safe-driving.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPack an Emergency Bag<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Taking Breaks on Longer Trips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Inspect Brake Pads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Travel Safer With Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get the Best Car Insurance Today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n