Be Prepared for Driving Fun in the Okanagan Valley!
"We recommend that you plan a drive in the Okanagan with the same consideration you use for a hike. Why? Because of our friend, “Just-in-case”. In case there’s an accident, and you end up in a traffic jam while it’s 40 degrees C (about 100 degrees F) outside.
In case you get a flat tire, and you’re at the side of the road waiting for the tow truck. Just in case...
We want you to enjoy living in Westbank and the Okanagan Valley as much as we do. There are little tips for having fun and staying comfortable in this semi-arid and sometimes very hot region. This isn’t ‘expert advice’- these are informal tips we’ve found helpful.
To start off this particular set of tips for getting the best out of your life in the Okanagan Valley, we have four words for you: “towels”, “water”, and "vehicle check-up”.
We’ll deal with the last first - The Vehicle Check-Up
Take your vehicle to your mechanic as soon as the weather warms up - in May, for example - and ask him or her to check your coolant, hoses, oil, transmission fluid, air conditioning, and anything else that needs to be tended to in advance of the hot season. Replace your fuel filter; this may add to the life of your pricey fuel pump. The life of vehicle fuel pumps is rumoured to be shorter in the Okanagan Valley, and it helps if you don’t let your fuel get below a quarter tank.
With all of the hills, ups and downs, and frequent stops, you will want to ensure your breaks are in top working order as well.
Hot car? Get Cool!
If you stall, roll down all the windows, open the doors if you can (watch for traffic), get everyone sheltered from the sun. Open the hood to the engine - but do not try to check the radiator while the car is hot. Opening the radiator could get you burned.
Wait until the engine is cool, then check the coolant level. If you can see a leak or crack in a hose, apply some good old duct tape. Sometimes just being stopped for a while with the hood up can calm an overheated engine enough to get it to start again and get to the nearest service facility. As long as the engine doesn’t start heating up again (watch your temperature guage) you can drive it to get checked. If you’re worried, you may have to wait for the tow truck.
Remember to give your vehicle summer weight oil, too. You may want to keep some extra in the car, in case you get low unexpectedly. We’ve been informed that it’s important to make sure your car’s oil is low before you add more - adding before it hits the ‘fill line’ can cause problems.
What about the rubber?
Take off your snow tires if you ever want to use them again for winter driving, as the special materials in snowtires that keep them functioning in extreme cold are prone to melting in the heat. Seriously. Make sure your summer or all-weather tires have the correct pressure too (properly inflated tires can save 10% or more on your gas consumption).
Timing is Everything
Now that you’ve got the vehicle looked over in preparation for the "Okanagan Barbeque Season", consider the time of day for your summer jaunts. When you can, travel in the cooler hours of the morning or early evening. It’s much easier on your vehicle, and if your vehicle is air-conditioned you’ll also conserve fuel. For drivers and passengers it’s more comfortable, and you may miss some of the traffic congestion in more popular areas.
Other things that may add to your travel comfort in the summer:
Take a few minutes to pack some extra things before you leave. You never know what you will discover as you drive through the area, so you will want to be prepared!
- Sun umbrellas: This can be any old umbrella you have handy, or even a few of them, depending on how many kids or friends you happen to have along. They can be very handy as shelters if your car happens to break down - and believe it, when the thermometer goes up, so does the number of automotive breakdowns.
- More towels: You can drape’em over your shoulder or hang them in the windows of your vehicle as sun shades, use ‘em to mop your brow, and sit on ‘em to protect the upholstery when bottoms are wet or sandy…and of course, they’re mini beach blankets in a pinch. (Side note from Cindy: we usually bring extra swim suits so we can head for a quick dip in the lake before heading home again - a great way to cool down the kids after a day exploring the area.)
- Straw hats: They’re used all over the world in hot climates for good reason. They let the air in but keep the sun off the top of your head. They’re often cheap. Some are good-looking, but all will help prevent sunstroke when that sun gets really serious. (Another side note from Cindy - keep extras in the vehicle - it doesn't matter whether you are hiking in the wilds, or enjoying the local farmer's market - they help everyone enjoy the outsides without overheating.)
- Sunscreen: can prevent sunburn for a short time while you’re driving, but try to cover
any body part that will be exposed to the relentless mid-summer rays that pour in continuously through your vehicle windows.
- Water:
It’s for you, your passengers, your pets - and for your vehicle radiator. Boil-overs are sometimes the result of extra heat and stress on your vehicle and its engine and hoses – particularly when you’re in a construction or accident zone or get into a lineup for an attraction and are forced to drive very slowly. Remember: do not check the radiator until the car has cooled down! If you try to check the radiator while the car is hot you can be seriously burned.
- Cooler: It can’t hurt to bring along a cooler with cold packs and nice juicy Okanagan fruit inside. Go for the firmer fruits, so in case your icepacks warm up they won’t turn to mush. Some people freeze water bottles full of water, so you have nice cold water even as you explore or relax on the beach. (Make sure your water containers are the correct type for freezing. The cooler is also handy when heading out to the grocery store - it keeps the frozen stuff frozen and the dairy stuff safe while driving home in the heat.)
- Wipes:
Can be lifesavers. Inevitably your ice cream will melt all over or someone will get something gooey somewhere….carry a wet washcloth or two in a plastic bag or get some babywipes to keep in the car. Good for cleaning golf balls, too.
- Reflective emergency blanket:
You know those blankets with foil on one side and bright fabric on the other?
They’re inexpensive and good for more than holding body heat in case of emergency -
they’re also great solar shields when positioned reflective foil side up. With a reflective blanket draped over the roof and all the windows open your car can become a fairly comfortable sun shelter if you’re stuck on the side of the road for a while. To hold the reflective blanket on in the breeze, stick it under windshield wipers or close the doors on its edges.
- Maps: Especially the kind that show you how to find the lakes, waterfalls and beaches
in the Okanagan - big smile!
- Lightweight, baggy longsleeved shirt: Great for when you’re on the road and the sun is trying to bake you on one side.
- Stuff for bee and wasp stings: There’s commercial stuff called Sting Stop, and some stick deodorants help, too.
- And a few extras...: We also pack a few snack bars (avoid the ones with chocolate in them - or they will melt away on you), a flashlight, first aid kit, and an extra leash for our dog (note - only bring the dogs when they will be safe while you travel - NEVER leave a dog in a car or truck in the summer - it can become lethal in a matter of minutes - even with the windows open!)
Last, but not least, please remember to pack your patience and best driving skills. Enjoy the journey, but please drive safe. Our roads fill up during the summer, so ensure you plan ahead, leave early enough to arrive at your destination, and plan for the occasional delay when accidents happen and the traffic backs up.
Did we mention pack water, towels and umbrellas? See you at the beach!
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