If you've lived in Winston-Salem for any length of time, you already know that North Carolina summers can be intense. This week's temperatures pushing 98 degrees are a reminder that extreme heat is more than just uncomfortable. In some situations, it can become dangerous.
Most drivers never expect to get stranded in traffic, stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire, or experience a vehicle problem during the hottest part of the day. Unfortunately, those situations happen every summer across the Triad.
The good news is that a little preparation can make a big difference.
At Frank Myers Auto Maxx in Winston-Salem, we encourage drivers to keep a small summer emergency kit in their vehicle throughout the hottest months of the year.
This is the most important item on the list.
Keep several bottles of water in your vehicle, especially if you regularly travel with family members, children, or elderly passengers. Dehydration can happen quickly when temperatures approach 100 degrees.
A dead phone battery during an emergency can quickly turn a minor inconvenience into a major problem. Keep a charging cable in your vehicle and consider carrying a portable battery pack as backup.
Cooling towels can provide immediate relief while waiting for assistance or sitting in traffic. Small rechargeable fans are inexpensive and can make a surprising difference on extremely hot days.
Every vehicle should have a basic first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications that may be needed during an emergency.
Granola bars, crackers, or protein snacks can be helpful if you're delayed for several hours because of an accident, road closure, or vehicle issue.
Extreme temperatures can be hard on vehicle batteries. Summer heat often shortens battery life and can lead to unexpected failures.
Vehicle problems don't always happen during daylight hours. A flashlight is a simple tool that you'll be glad you have when you need it.
Store emergency contacts in your phone, but also keep a written copy in your vehicle in case your phone becomes damaged or loses power.
An umbrella isn't just for rain. It can provide valuable shade if you're waiting outside your vehicle during a roadside emergency.
If you require medications, inhalers, glucose supplies, or other medical necessities, make sure you have access to them while traveling.
Summer heat is hard on more than just people.
High temperatures place additional stress on your battery, cooling system, tires, air conditioning system, and engine fluids. Preventive maintenance becomes even more important during the hottest months of the year.
Before heading to the beach, the mountains, or your next family road trip, it's a good idea to make sure your vehicle is ready for the heat just as much as you are.
At Frank Myers Auto Maxx and Frank Myers Auto Repair, we care about more than helping people find a nicer, newer vehicle. We want our friends and neighbors throughout Winston-Salem and the surrounding communities to stay safe as well.
The North Carolina heat isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Stay hydrated.
Stay prepared.
And if you're going to keep one thing in your vehicle this summer, make it cold water.
