Memorial Day—the unofficial start of summer—is this coming weekend. Many people typically take off on summer vacations and road trips over the long weekend. CHP Officer Joan Griffin says you should prep your vehicle for travel to reduce the risk of a tragedy while you are behind the wheel…
The warm temperatures and summer travel put extra demands on both vehicles and drivers. Before any travel, check your vehicle’s radiator system. Many summer breakdowns happen because a car’s cooling system fails. Be sure your oil changes are current. Extreme temperatures can put more stress on an engine and dirty oil can cause damage or poor engine operation. Carry a roadside emergency kit with fresh water, food, a cell phone and charger, first aid kit, tools, flashlight, spare tire, car jack, lug wrench, jumper cables, and emergency flares or orange triangles. With the proper preparations, you can mitigate summer heat taking its toll on your vehicle.
