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Summer Driving Tips To Keep You Cool In A Heatwave

It seems the UK weather is all over the place this year with summer certainly being hit-and-miss. However, there was a heatwave not too long ago and it likely wasn’t the last one so it’s important to be prepared and know how to keep yourself cool. In this article, we look at some simple summer driving tips and things you can do to make sure you are ready for anything.

Even with the currently unpredictable weather, the rest of the UK summer season could still reach high temperatures and that often leads to congestion on the roads. If the heat isn’t enough to make you uncomfortable, driving in summer can be highly stressful as more people are heading to the seaside or a weekend away. So how can you stay safe on the road when driving in summer?

Summer Driving Tips For A More Comfortable Journey

You wouldn’t think so but there are more tyre-related incidents on Britain’s roads during the summer than at any other time. To help keep you and your passengers safe, your car must be in excellent working order and ready for all road and weather conditions. Before we get to the vehicle checks, here are a few simple summer driving tips you should follow.

Be Well Rested And Take Regular Breaks

Whilst you should always be well-rested ahead of any journey, it’s even more important when travelling during a heatwave. High temperatures can make you feel drowsy and affect your driving ability, reaction times, and concentration levels. We recommend that you get at least 7 hours of sleep before embarking on your journey.

If you don’t have air conditioning in your car, you should stop for breaks at least every 90 minutes. This will allow everyone to get some fresh air, stretch their legs and keep their minds fresh. If possible, try to plan your journey during cooler times of the day and avoid driving between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Make Sure You Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is always a concern but even more so during prolonged warmer weather conditions. Keeping a large amount of water in the car should be at the top of your priority list whether you are travelling short or long distances. If your car breaks down for whatever reason, it could be a while for help to arrive so make sure there’s enough water to drink.

Pollen Levels And A Car Air Conditioning Service

Pollen levels often increase during warmer weather and that means motorists suffering from hay fever may suffer more than normal. Some could feel more comfortable asking someone else to drive but what if you are travelling alone? Make sure to keep your windows and sunroof closed and set your air conditioning to recirculate as this will help minimise the amount of pollen getting inside the cabin.

Summer Driving Tips When Travelling With Children And Pets

Aside from the obvious of never leaving kids and pets unattended in a car during hot weather, what else can you do to stay cool when driving in a heatwave?

Whilst on the road, keep your pets as hydrated as possible and throw in some hydrating snacks for the kids. This can be fresh fruit such as cucumber or tomatoes with ice lollies probably a crowd-favourite. Remember to dress your kids in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and to use shades on your windows to protect their eyes from the sun.

Maintain Your Vehicle

High temperatures can damage the rubber on your tyres so it’s important to check the condition and tyre pressure regularly. In addition to tyre damage, car engines are also more prone to having overheating issues in summer which means inspecting your coolant levels more often. When driving in warmer weather, make sure to check your engine oil and windscreen washer fluid.

What Should I Check Before Travelling?

Whilst these summer driving tips are crucial to keeping you safe and comfortable, there are several checks you should conduct before setting off.

  • Check the tyre pressures, tread depth and physical condition including punctures, cuts or bulges
  • Make sure your brake fluid is topped up and do a visual inspection of the brake pads
  • With most batteries being sealed units, look for corrosion around the battery terminals and a swollen battery case in extreme situations
  • Check that your air con is not blowing warm air and no strange odours coming from the vents
  • Make sure to check all fluid levels including engine oil, transmission fluid and windscreen washer or coolant
  • Air Filters can quickly get clogged up with dust so make sure to check before driving as this could result in less power and more fuel consumption

Summer Driving Tips And Free Safety Checks At Elite Garages

All of these pre-journey checks can be done at home but for complete peace of mind, Elite Garages offer FREE safety checks. If you are planning a staycation and want to make sure your car is good to go, we have you covered. Our free safety checks include the following:

  • Summer safety check
  • Wheel alignment
  • Brakes (visual inspection only)
  • Battery
  • Tyres
  • Clutch
  • Suspension

If at any time you think something is not quite right with your car, don’t risk it! Rather visit your nearest Elite Garage for a FREE safety check and let us do what we do best; look after you and your car!

Car Air Conditioning Service Near Me

We’ve explored several Summer driving tips and safety checks to ensure your car is ready for the journey but what if you are looking for a “car air conditioning service near me”? With numerous branches across the country, we’ve got you covered. Remember, the standard interval is every 1 – 2 years and along with a free air-con check, we can do a service for you as well in no time at all.

Our technicians check the gas pressure and compressor oil levels so you won’t get caught with an uncomfortably hot car. We offer a car air conditioning service at all of our branches so contact your nearest centre for advice or to book yours.

You can find a list of all our branches on the website where you can also book a service, MOT, reserve tyres or arrange a free vehicle safety check.