People often think they only need extra preparations to drive in winter because of the cold, icy conditions. However, it’s also important to prepare yourself for driving in the hot, sunny weather throughout the summer months. Preparation is key to making your drive smoother and safer.
We’ve put together this guide with tips to help you prepare to drive in the summer.
Prepare for glare from the sun
Sunny weather can cause a dangerous glare for drivers. Glare from the sun can dazzle your eyes and reduce your visibility so it’s important to have sunglasses in your car that you can wear when driving. Pulling down your sun visor can also help to block out the sun. Reduce your speed and drive with caution, being mindful that if the sun is impacting your driving, it will be affecting other road users too.
Wear appropriate shoes
During the summertime, many people walk around in flip-flops or sandals to embrace the hot weather. However, flip-flops and sandals can be dangerous when you’re driving as they make it more difficult to control the pedals.
You should wear a comfortable pair of shoes when you know you’ll be driving, or perhaps keep a spare pair of shoes in your car that you can change into before getting behind the wheel.
Check your tyres
High temperatures can increase the risk of a tyre blowout. To prepare for the summer months, checking that your tyres are in good condition is good practice. Check your tyre tread depth and tyre pressure, and also check for any tyre damage.
Check your coolant
Coolant works to ensure that your engine runs at the right temperature, whatever the weather. Your car’s owner manual will help you locate your coolant reservoir so you can check that your coolant is at a sufficient level regularly throughout the summer months and prevent your car from overheating.
Check your screenwash
It’s always important to ensure you have enough screenwash in your car to keep your windscreen clear. Having a dirty windscreen can cause the glare from the sun to worsen, so cleaning it often is advisable. Also, bugs and flies can stick to your windscreen so you’ll need screenwash to help clear them off!
While checking your windscreen washer fluid, you could take the time to check if your wiper blades are still clearing your windscreen effectively or if they need to be replaced.
Keep your car cool
When driving in warm weather your car can heat up extremely quickly. Having a warm car can make you feel fatigued so it’s important to do your best to keep your car as cool as possible. If your car becomes warm while driving, you should use your air-con to cool it down or open a window or two.
When parking, try to park your car in a shaded spot or use a windscreen shade to block the sun as this will help to protect your car from the sun shining through the windows and heating it up.
Research the route and plan breaks
Before you set off on a long car journey, you should research the route to familiarise yourself with the roads you need to take. This helps to prevent you from taking a wrong turn or needing to drive for any longer than is necessary.
It is also smart to plan some breaks so you don’t get too tired while driving. Taking a break gives you a chance to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and grab some snacks and drinks so you feel refreshed and alert to drive some more.
Give yourself plenty of time
Roads can be busy around the seaside, parks and playgrounds during summer. So, when you’re planning the time it will take for your journey, it’s important to factor in any delays that the potential extra traffic could cause.
Traffic can also be heavy on motorways in summertime as people tend to go on holidays and weekend breaks. It can be especially heavy on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings, so it’s important to be cautious of that when planning any journeys.
Never drink and drive
When you’re out embracing the hot summer weather it can be tempting to have a refreshing beer or cider to cool down. However, if you are the designated driver, it is your responsibility to avoid alcohol before getting behind the wheel. For more information on the drink driving limits, please check the 'Drink Aware' website.
Keep an emergency kit in your car
You should carry an emergency kit in your car throughout the entire year. This could include a first aid kit, a mobile phone charger, jump cables and a spare tyre so you’re well prepared if your car breaks down or if you are in an accident.
Bring water and snacks
If you end up stuck in a traffic jam during really warm weather, it can become very hot and uncomfortable and you could become at risk of dehydration. To safeguard against this, when hitting the road on a long journey, bring some water and snacks to keep you hydrated and fueled in case you get stuck in traffic. Always make sure you drink plenty of fluids when on long journeys and driving in hot weather.
Watch out for cyclists
Many cyclists will be out during the summer months to take advantage of the good weather, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them while driving. Check your mirrors carefully when turning, merging lanes and going through junctions. You should always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react to anything you unexpectedly encounter.
Don’t drive when tired
If you know you have a long journey ahead, try to ensure you get a good night’s sleep the night before so you are well-rested and feel prepped for the journey. Also, as mentioned in one of the points above, remember to take breaks when driving a long journey. This will help to perk you back up so you’ll be ready to complete your journey.
Taking these tips into account and being prepared when you’re driving throughout the summer months should help you to have a smoother and safer journey.
