FIND A STORE SEARCH TIRES BLACK FRIDAY AUTO SERVICES FINANCING CONTACT US APPOINTMENT CALL 888-423-7165 4 Ways to Stay Safe When Driving Through the Desert By Discount Tire Centers•11 Aug, 2017•0 Comments If you're traveling through the desert for work, camping, or a weekend in Vegas, take some precautions before you head out of town. You may think your car is in great shape, but the desert is no place to learn that your vehicle actually needs work. Plan ahead when traveling across desert areas. Follow the four tips below to enjoy your desert journey with less chance of a breakdown. 1. Know the Limitations of Your Ride Every component in your vehicle has its limits. Your tires will only last so long before they begin to wear. Your oil, brake fluid and transmission fluid only last so long before the reservoirs need to be checked or flushed. If it's been a while since you've had your vehicle inspected or serviced, have your mechanic check the following areas before your desert outing: Tire wear Brakes All fluids Air-conditioning coolant Fans, belts, and hoses Battery and ignition system Air, oil, and fuel filters Windshield wipers Lights When your battery, tires, and air conditioning are in good shape, you travel more comfortably. You also have a lower chance of suffering a breakdown or dealing with a non-starting vehicle. Know the limits of your gas tank, too. How far will it take you through the desert before you need a fill-up? Map out the locations of gas stations before you head out of town. Don't take another driver's word for the potential location of desert fuel stops, but double-check the hours of operation at each location for yourself. 2. Pay Special Attention to the Tires If your tires are reaching the end of their useful life, order a new set before your desert trip. Hot pavement and highway surfaces put a lot of strain on tires. It's not the direct heat that hurts the tire but the fact that the interior pressure of a tire increases when the exterior of the tire is heated. For each 10-degree increase in roadway temperature, expect a one-pound increase in tire pressure. You may start out your desert trip with tires that are perfectly inflated, then check the pressure a few hours later, and the tire is way over the recommended pressure. Don't make the mistake of letting air out of the tires at that point. If your tires were at the correct pressure when you began the trip, under-inflating the tires will do more harm than good. Both under- and over-inflated tires are at greater risk of having a blowout. An over-inflated tire may burst when heat over pressurizes the tire. An under-inflated tire makes more sidewall contact with a hot road surface, leading to increased risk of cracks, weak spots and tears. Stay alert for debris from other drivers' tires. Summertime is when there may be many pieces of shredded tires scattered across highways. Keep your eyes on the road to avoid hitting all types of debris. 3. Know How to Handle Sudden Rains When it rains in the desert, the highways are suddenly slick. Old vehicle oil in the asphalt or tar rises to the surface of the wet roadway. Slow down and take it easy when it's raining. Your tires can't grip the road as easily, and you have decreased visibility, which is a recipe for a wreck. Experts recommend following the tire tracks of the car ahead of you on a rainy road. This can keep you from sliding or hydroplaning. If you begin to hydroplane or skid, don't panic or slam on brakes. If you hydroplane, firmly grab the steering wheel and gently brake until you slow down. If you begin to skid, steer in the direction your car is skidding and gently brake. Your brakes may feel as if they're pumping or vibrating, but that's okay. Your brake sensors are adapting to the road conditions to help your brakes work more efficiently. Avoid any sudden wheel turns, acceleration or stops when on wet roads. Never, ever drive through standing water on a road. As little as 18 inches of water can pick up your car and cause it to float down a flooded creek or river. 4. Notify Loved Ones and Stock Up on Survival Supplies Let someone know when you'll be traveling through the desert, what your route is and how they can reach you in the event of an emergency. Check with websites or state highway officials to learn about any delays or road closures along your planned desert route. Your phone should be fully charged before you head out for your desert travel. Remember to bring your phone charger along for the return trip. You never want to get caught in the desert without supplies. Pack the car with plenty of water, snacks, necessary medications, and safety gear. Flares, a first-aid kit, and auto-repair tools are also handy in a jam. Remember when you had your mechanic check your tires? Hopefully, the spare tire was checked, too, because it should be loaded in your trunk with a jack and a tire iron in case you get a flat. If you have a more serious breakdown on a desert highway, stay with your car. Don't attempt to walk for help. Raise your car's hood and light any flares you may have if it's after dark. Contact Discount Tire & Service Centers today to schedule a complete inspection of your vehicle. We help you prepare for safe and comfortable desert, coastal, and highway travel. ← Older PostNewer Post → Share Tweet Share Mail More Posts We're Hiring! © Copyright 2021 Discount Tire & Service Centers. All Rights Reserved. Warranty Policies | Privacy Policy