It can be tricky to drive on a sunny day; that’s why AMSOIL: OilWerx in Mandan, ND, put together these tips to help make sunny-day driving much more comfortable. 

Many weather conditions can make driving tricky; for example, rain can make roads slippery, and windy conditions can make you lose control of your vehicle. Still, sunny day driving has its own risks like getting dehydrated, triggering road rage, and being blinded by the sun. Let’s go over some ways to mitigate the dangers of driving when it’s sunny.

Protect yourself on the road from the heat by driving a reliable car. Call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 for more information about the best products for your engine, or visit AMSOIL’s online store to get to know their complete product catalog.

Tips for Driving on a Sunny Day

Heat Can Trigger Angry Drivers

Driving when it’s hot often means encountering angry drivers that are put on edge by the high temperatures. Driving during the hotter hours of the day can increase your chances of encountering one of these drivers. Avoid driving during the hotter hours of the day (from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm) to decrease the chances of encountering one.

Drive at a Distance

Driving at a distance can help keep you safe from hazards caused by the sun, like aggressive drivers or drivers that have been suddenly blinded by the sun. Leaving space between you and other cars can allow you to maneuver and give you enough time to get out of the way of another vehicle and prevent a collision.

Drive Early in the Morning or Late in the Afternoon

Adjusting the time of day in which you drive can also be much safer, especially if it’s a sweltering day. As mentioned above, driving during the day's hottest hours can be dangerous for you and your car. Driving during the hottest hours can cause car crashes and overheating engines, which aren’t optimal when driving and can cause you to, at best, be delayed and, worse, damage your car.

Keep Your Car up to Date on Its Maintenance Routine

When it comes to your car, having it up to date on its maintenance routine is essential to avoid any delays and issues on the road. Now, if weather conditions are hazardous, one of the ways you can make sure your car will handle them the best possible. A couple of things you should check, primarily, so your vehicle handles hot weather correctly, are your tires and coolant. Ensure your coolant reservoir is topped off with coolant and your tire threads haven’t worn out.

Call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 for information on the best products for your engine, like AMSOIL’s Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant, or visit their online store to place an order anytime.

Taking Care of Yourself

Another critical aspect of staying safe on the road is taking care of your body while driving or riding along. Let’s go over some easy ways to protect yourself from the heat while in a car.

Protecting Yourself From the Sun

When sunny day driving, it’s essential to protect yourself from the harsh sun rays that could cause sunburns. Dermatologists recommend using sunblock on any uncovered skin, using a hat to protect your face, and driving gloves to cover your hands and arms. It’s essential to expose your skin as little as possible to UV/UVB rays as these could cause sun damage even if you don’t get sunburnt and cause diseases like skin cancer in the long run. Sunglasses are also important as they protect your eyes from damage and momentary sun blindness. Experts suggest you use sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from harmful rays. Also, use your car’s visor as much as possible and avoid looking directly at shiny surfaces when driving.

Hydrate Often

Lastly, ensuring to hydrate often is also essential when driving on a sunny day. Inside closed cars, temperatures can increase quickly and cause you to become dehydrated. Carry a water bottle with you, or make sure to hydrate when you reach your destination. Some signs of dehydration include:

• Having sunken eyes.
• Feeling like your mouth is dry.
• Having a persistent headache.

The best way to address dehydration is by getting out of the heat into somewhere fresh where you can rest and drink an electrolyte drink to replenish some of the electrolytes you’ve lost.

We hope you find these sunny-day driving tips useful. Call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 for information on the AMSOIL products for your vehicle, or visit their online store to place your order!