Whether you’re planning to drive somewhere for a day out or you’re keen to embark on an all-out road trip, it’s important to check whether your vehicle is safe and comfortable.
During the summer months, you can encounter a different set of issues while driving. You may need to contend with extreme heat, which can be uncomfortable during long journeys especially. Congestion during the summer holidays and dazzling sunlight can make the drive more intense. It’s important to complete routine checks to make sure you’re safe as well.
Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for car journeys during the summer. Here’s what you may want to consider.
Table of Contents
Preparing your vehicle for summer
Maintenance checks should be done all year round – and especially if you’re about to set off on a longer drive.
Stay on top of your car’s fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid. Fluids tend to evaporate more quickly in the heat so it’s important to make these checks more regularly during the summer. This will reduce the risk of breakdowns. You should also check your tyre pressure as heat can interfere with this. Meanwhile, hot tarmac and under-inflated tyres are a bad combination due to increased friction and overheating.
Optimising air conditioning
Most newer car models come with air conditioning so don’t be afraid to use it – you’re unlikely to use it at any other time during the year in the UK, after all.
Air conditioning serving doesn’t tend to be included in MOT checks, so you’ll need to arrange for this to be done separately. An aircon regas and lubrication service can help to keep you cool in the summer by ensuring that the internal temperature of your car remains at a suitable level.
Dealing with high temperatures
Meanwhile, it can be helpful to keep your car as cool as possible by parking in the shade or investing in a windscreen shade to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the vehicle.
Staying cool while driving isn’t just a matter of comfort, it’s also a matter of safety. If you overheat while driving this can reduce your concentration and increase the risk of an accident while on the road. You might find it helpful to have a cool water bottle nearby to help you cool down instantly.
Hydration and comfort
It’s sensible to have water bottles in your car so you can stay hydrated while driving. This way, you’ll be covered during long drives with few stops or opportunities to get water.
Ideally, you could place water bottles in a cool bag so you feel refreshed during your trip.
Sun protection measures
Glare from the sun can be particularly dangerous while driving as it can obstruct how well you can see the road. Don’t hesitate to pull over in a safe spot if you’re struggling to see properly as this is a serious risk while driving in the summer.
Remember to apply sun cream before driving as having the windows down could put you at risk of burning.
