The Golden State offers plenty of great beaches. In fact, California has some 37,000 miles of ocean and lake shoreline! And now that it’s prime beach time, it’s time to call friends and family and pick a destination. Whether it’s
Pebble Beach
,
Sand Dollar Beach
,
Salt Creek Beach
, or
Big Bear Lake
, California’s scenic waterside retreats can’t be beat.
These are but a few of the best beaches California has to offer. Whatever your destination, one might make the argument that the best beach party in California is the one with the least “adventure” and the most “fun.” Speaking of “adventure,” we’re talking about breakdowns, accidents, and whatever takes the fun out of a beach party.
Automotive Tips for a Beach Party in California
It seems simple to toss your stuff in the car and drive off. Considering the importance your car plays in daily life and beach parties, it needs to be in good shape. Here are some tips and tricks for a day of fun in the sun.
- Cooling System: Summer heat and traffic jams test your cooling system. Check engine coolant level and fix leaks. Pull over immediately if the engine overheats.
- Window Shades: Solar shades prevent the greenhouse effect from turning your car into a sauna. Window tint is good, but solar shades are a good idea for the un-tinted windshield.
- Fastest Way to Cool: Here’s a trick to flush out the hot air. Open all passenger windows about six inches. Open and near-close the driver’s door six to ten times. This force-flushes hot air quicker than air conditioning or simply opening windows.
- Seat Covers and Floor Mats: Sand and sweat are not great additions to your car. Washable seat covers and full-coverage floor mats keep sand and sweat from soaking and embedding in the upholstery.
- Air Conditioning: Open windows might be enough to cool off after a beach party in California, but not everyone likes the windows open. Have your air conditioning system checked by a professional. A new cabin filter ensures good air flow.
Many of these things you can check and adjust yourself in an afternoon, but a pre-trip inspection by a trusted mechanic is good insurance against possible beach-party-wrecking breakdowns.
Safe Teen Beach Party Tips
Taking the party on the road can lead to disaster. The Automobile Association of America (AAA) reports over 1,000 fatalities during the 100 Deadliest Days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, only involving teen drivers. Don’t end your beach party with a disaster, but keep these tips in mind:
- Distractions: The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports distracted driving causes 60% of teen traffic fatalities . On the road, keep distractions to a minimum. A passenger can navigate, adjust audio and climate controls, and send and receive messages freeing the driver to focus on driving safely.
- Nighttime Driving: Over a third of traffic fatalities involved teen drivers at night, according to AAA. Nighttime driving requires a different set of driving skills and higher perception. Choose a more experienced driver or consider staying until the next day.
- Speed Kills: The faster you drive, the less time to react to changing road and traffic conditions. Teen driver inexperience further increases perception and reaction times, increasing the risk of a crash. The single best piece of advice is to simply slow down.
- Illegal Substances: Drugs and alcohol are illegal for minors to consume, and they heavily impair judgment and driving ability, no matter how old or experienced the individual is. If the atmosphere changes to an uncomfortable one and you need a safe ride home, call your family or use a rideshare or designated driver service, like Dryver.com .
Are you throwing a beach party in California? Whether it’s your first beach bash or your 20 th , we hope it’s a good one. These tips and tricks are just a few of the things you can try for a great party. See you at the beach!