Answer: b) While the other answers are nice options, checking your tire pressure is crucial on a hot day. Hot weather expands the air inside your tires, potentially leading to overinflation and tire blowouts. Always have a tire gauge in your glove box—and keep some loonies handy in case your gas station’s tire inflator is coin operated.

Answer: c) Cracks or bulges on the sidewalls of your tires are a clue it could be time for replacements. Inspect your tires regularly, especially during the summer when construction is busiest and there are more nails, screws, and debris on the road. If you notice any cracks, bulges or other signs of wear on your sidewalls, it may be time to get new tires and avoid potential blowouts down the road. Incidentally, answers a) and b) should signal an immediate trip to an auto service centre.

Answer: b) While a good night’s sleep will certainly serve you well, it’s essential to check Drive BC for road closures along your route and, if your road trip involves camping, check Gov.bc.ca for fire bans and restrictions. If you see a road closure, you can plan alternative routes well before you leave your driveway. Make sure you continue to check during your trip. If there are wildfires burning close to your destination, you may want to consider other options to avoid vacationing in the smoke. 

Answer: d) 45 degrees Celsius, which is five degrees hotter than the temperature when both dogs and humans are likely to suffer heat stroke. After just 10 minutes in a car in the sun with the windows rolled up, the temperature would hit 32C.

Answer: e) All of the above

When it comes to summer driving, it’s important to be prepared in case you find yourself in an unexpected situation. Check out BCAA’s full list of what gear to carry in your car.

Answer: c) Close all your windows and turn on the air recirculation mode. If you’re driving through heavy wildfire smoke, it's vital to protect yourself from inhaling particulate matter as it’s harmful and carcinogenic. When you turn on the air recirculation mode, you’re blocking smoky air from flowing into your car (and lungs) while recirculating the cleaner air inside.

Answer: c) You should always stay a minimum of three seconds behind the car in front of you – although if the road is smoky or you’re being pounded by a summer storm, then the answer would be d) - you should make it four to six seconds. In extreme weather and wildfire conditions, your visibility is impaired so increasing your following distance is a safe practice.

Here’s how to measure your following distance: choose a fixed point that is even with the vehicle in front of you (e.g., a tree, building or road sign). If you reach that fixed point before counting to three, you’re driving too close.

Answer: c) Use the BCAA Mobile app. It’s the fastest way to request a BCAA Road Assistance truck. In real time, the app lets you report your location and request assistance directly from your phone, ensuring a fast and accurate response to get you back on the road safely. In certain areas you can even track the tow truck to your location. Avoid any issues with slow bandwidth or an extra drain on your battery by downloading the BCAA Mobile app before you set off.

Answer: If conditions are bad and it’s not an essential trip, consider staying home!