The long, hot summer can wreak havoc on the rubber on your vehicle—and can be a risk to your safety. To beat the heat, it’s important to complete a few basic safety checks to keep your car, truck, and motorcycle running in top condition despite the sometimes blistering weather.

Wiper blades, in particular, are highly susceptible to the summer sun because the rubber degrades at a higher rate and can become ragged. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear, and replace them if they’re not in top condition. Worn-out wipers simply won’t perform well during that next summer thunderstorm. And if you can’t see properly out your windshield, you’re putting yourself and your passengers at risk.

Belts and hoses are also victims of summer’s high temperatures. Again, degrading rubber is the culprit. Check for signs of blisters or cracks on the rubber. If they’re not in good shape, replace them, or find someone who can. At the same time, go ahead and check all of your hose connections, just to make sure they’re intact. You don’t want to find yourself dealing with the consequences of a broken belt or hose on the highway.

To learn more about summer driving safety and watch our video, click here.