Tips for driving in the Florida heat
Driving in Florida can be a hot and muggy task, and nobody wants to be sweating their way from one traffic stop to the next. The climate in Florida is sub-tropical which means it’s often hot and sunny and this is especially true during the summer when temperatures can easily reach the high 90’s or more and this can not only be uncomfortable but also dangerous!
In this article, we take a look at some driving tips to help keep you safe and comfortable (and free of sweat!) and look after both yourself and your vehicle in the Florida heat.
Why Driving in the Florida Heat Can be so Dangerous
Hot weather can put a strain on the air conditioning in a vehicle and eat up coolant, oil and other fluids a lot more quickly. Tires are more susceptible to a blowout when the tarmac is hot and extreme heat is likely to drain the vehicle battery faster than normal.
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Driving in the Florida heat can be bad for your health and inhibit your ability to drive safely. For instance, driving in especially high temperatures can cause confusion, dehydration and even dizziness which impair our ability to focus and react. There are many more symptoms such as headache, cramps or rapid heartbeat but the point being; it’s important to recognize the potential dangers associated with driving in heat.
But that’s just part of the story.
Let’s look at some vehicle and driving tips to help survive the Florida heat:
Protecting and Maintaining a Vehicle in the Florida Heat
- Fluids - Make sure to check and change the oil on a regular basis. You also need to refill the coolant when needed and keep sufficient water ready for the window wipers.
- Tires - Check the pressure as often as possible because blowouts are more common on hot tarmac and high temperatures can cause tires to expand more than usual.
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- Air Conditioning - Test the A/C system and make sure it’s working correctly. These systems can overheat and malfunction when subjected to excessive heat.
- Brakes - Brake fluids and brake pads sometimes need to be replaced due to the heat.
- Battery - Heat can affect the battery in a vehicle so have it tested from time to time.
- Washing the Vehicle - It might not sound as important as the rest but washing a vehicle can help protect and maintain the paint and body of the vehicle.
Taking Care of Yourself (and Your Driving) in the Florida Heat
- Staying Hydrated - Always keep a water bottle at the ready while driving in Florida.
- Planning the Route - Try to plan the safest route and best time for driving as much as possible so that you can avoid traffic and driving for longer than you need to drive.
- Keeping the Tank Filled - You don’t need to have a full tank at all times but it certainly helps not to run out and there’s a lot to be said about not having to think about it too.
- Cleaning the Windows - Keep the windows clean to avoid squinting or obstruction.
- Use the A/C - It doesn’t need to feel like a freezer but make good use of the air conditioning to ensure you don’t feel hot and sweaty. This can often lead to an uncomfortable feeling that might inhibit your ability to drive safely in hot weather.
As you can see, it’s basic advice but many drivers fail to do the most basic things that can severely inhibit their driving ability. There’s also no point ignoring the fact that these tips will help and ensure that driving in the Florida heat is a lot more safe and comfortable for you and every other driver you might encounter on the road.
