Ways to stay safe while driving in Florence this summer

With the summer months fast approaching, families may have made travel arrangements for an Italian vacation. However, before they hop into their car rental in Florence, they should brush up on a few things every summer driver needs to know. After all, temperatures in this city can linger in the 80s, so it helps to know what effect heat and humidity can have on an automobile.

Here are a few things any traveler with a car rental should keep in mind and watch for when they hit the road in search of new sights and experiences.

Pay attention to those tires

Without tires, travelers' automobiles won't get far. As a result, drivers will want to make sure they are in good condition when heading to famous sites like the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and Ponte Vecchio.

It is important for each tire's pressure to be at the car manufacturer's recommended level. While checking, individuals should be looking for any bulges or wear and tear. The last thing drivers want to end up with is a flat or blowout in an unfamiliar setting. A spare tire in the trunk is also a necessity.

Prevent tire damage

Even if a car's tires are in good condition, they can become less reliable if travelers do not practice smart driving techniques. For instance, too much weight can endanger tires' condition, as can driving at high speeds in hot weather.

Check under the hood

Just as vital as good tires are the fluids under a car's hood. Oil, automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid and coolant should all be at the appropriate levels. Coolant is especially important on hot summer days. It will go down faster the further a car drives and the warmer the temperature is, so paying attention to how much of this fluid is left is essential.

Remember the wipers

Florence is known to get rain in the summertime, so travelers may have to turn on their windshield wipers while driving their car rental in Italy. However, the rubber on these blades may have degraded during cooler winter temperatures. Once the weather heats up, wiper quality can get even worse, so individuals will want to pay attention to how they are performing if it is pouring in Florence.