Driving in the Summer can feel like a bit of a pain. Getting cooped up in a hot car, more often than not with bored children in the back of the car, isn’t necessarily anybody’s idea of a good time. But aside from the annoyance of having to stop for a toilet break five minutes after you got started again after lunch, there are also a number of safety concerns you should be aware of.
We have compiled this handy list of safety tips to make sure you get to where you’re going as safely as possible.
Keep your cool
A hot car can make it very uncomfortable to drive and make it hard to concentrate. A hot car can also cause drowsiness and lead to slower reaction times, so you need to make sure your car is cool before you set off. If you have air conditioning, make sure it is charged and serviced before you start a long drive. If you don’t have air conditioning, get the windows down and the air circulating before you set off and keep them down to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Check your fluids
In hot weather, a car engine will overheat very quickly, so make sure your fluids are checked and topped up before you depart. You should also turn off your engine while in standstill traffic to avoid your engine overheating.
Keep hydrated
You’ll lose a lot of body moisture while driving and dehydration leads to drowsiness and slower reactions. Keep plenty of water in your car and keep yourself topped up throughout the drive. If you get stuck in a traffic jam, you’ll be glad of a bottle or two of water in the car as it could be a long time before you can get to some services to get a drink.
Prepare for hay-fever
Hay fever is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, blurred vision and constant sneezing are two major hazards while driving. On the other hand, some hay-fever tablets are likely to cause drowsiness, which is hardly conducive to a safe journey either. If you’re somebody who suffers with hay fever, avoid driving in the Summer without taking some medication first, but be sure to choose non-drowsy medicine.
Wear sunglasses
Get yourself a good pair of sunglasses and keep them on while driving, even if the sun goes in. Sun glare can catch you by surprise and in fast moving traffic, you don’t have time to grope around for your sunglasses.
Keep your windscreen clear
One certainty with summer is that there will always be plenty of bugs about. Not to mention the dust from the dry earth and crops, so your windscreen will get dirty very quickly. Before you set out, make sure you have plenty of windscreen cleaning fluid in your car and that your windscreen wipers are functioning correctly.
Check your tyres
The summer is the time for long road trips, and with all that extra driving, it’s especially important that you check your tyres and replace them if necessary. Before setting out, you should also check your tyre pressure and fill your tyres in accordance with your manufacturer’s guidance.
At Lindleys Autocentres, we offer a wide range of car repair services, including air conditioner servicing and repairs. For any questions or to get your car checked over before your Summer road trips, contact your local car garage today.