Driving in summer | A complete guide
After a long and usually wet winter in the UK, adjusting to the warmer weather can be a bit of a shock! Driving in any hot weather can be dangerous and pose some risks to the health and safety of the driver and their passengers.
Here are our tips on making sure your car is safe, how to care for your car during the summer months and how to keep everyone onboard cool and comfortable on those sunny days.
How to prepare your car for summer
Cars can overheat much quicker in summer thanks to the hotter temperatures and this can lead to a range of problems that can disrupt your journey and potentially cause damage to your vehicle. Proper vehicle maintenance is essential during the summer months to ensure ideal performance and prevent any potential breakdowns.
The following checks will ensure that your vehicle is better prepared for the hot temperatures
Fluids
Regularly check and maintain proper fluid levels including engine oil, coolant and windscreen wiper fluid.
- The hotter weather places additional strain on the cooling systems, making them more likely to fail. Issues that might have gone unnoticed in colder temperatures are more likely to be highlighted when it is hot outside. By taking measures such as maintaining proper coolant levels and monitoring the cooling system, you can help your car’s engine and avoid potential breakdowns on hot summer days. This is especially important to consider if you are taking a long drive in the summer, as the engine and other systems in the car will be getting even hotter than on shorter journeys.
Tyres and car exterior
Keep an eye on tyre pressure and tread depth, as hot temperatures can make tire blowouts more likely.
- You should also keep the exterior of your car clean to protect the paintwork. When things get stuck to the outside of your car and then sit in the sun, they can damage the paint underneath, try to clean your car regularly if you can.
Battery
The winter months can be tough on your car’s battery, but so can the heat in the summer weather. We advise to get it serviced after winter and make sure it is functioning properly for summer.
To ensure a comfortable and cool journey for yourself and your passengers, there are several strategies we recommend to beat the heat:
Keeping cool
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Placing a sun shield over the back windows helps shield passengers from direct sunlight, as well as keeping the interior cooler.Utilising the air conditioning system while driving will effectively regulate the internal temperature, if this is a feature that is available in your car, now is the time to make use of it.
- If you are making stops along the way, try to park in shaded areas to prevent the sun from heating up the car. Also, using a windscreen shade when parking helps – most of the heat enters the vehicle through the glass.
- By using these simple yet effective measures, you can ensure a cool and enjoyable experience for everyone in the car.
Allergies
During the summer, allergies can become annoying! When driving, they can cause discomfort and distractions. It’s important to take steps to reduce symptoms while on the road:
- Keep the windows closed to prevent pollen and other allergens from entering the vehicle.
- Use your air conditioning or climate control to circulate the air inside your car instead of opening windows. .
- Regularly cleaning and replacing the air filter can also help to maintain good air quality.
Taking these measures to relieve allergies while driving in summer can help you stay focused, reduce symptoms and ensure a safer, more enjoyable journey.
Increased summer traffic
Driving safely becomes paramount during the summer months when roads have increased traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. To navigate these situations responsibly:
- Maintain good concentration on the road and be prepared for unexpected actions from pedestrians and cyclists.
- Stay focused and avoid distractions from things like mobile devices or loud music.
- Stick to speed limits and leave plenty of distance between your vehicle and others, especially when sharing the road with cyclists.
- Use your mirrors frequently and check blind spots before changing lanes and making turns.
- Remain patient and be particularly cautious near crossings, school zones, and areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Maintaining good visibility
When driving in summer, ensuring visibility is important for safe and confident manoeuvring. One common challenge is dealing with the glare from the sun on the windscreen. To address this:
- Keep your windscreen clean, both inside and out, to minimise the impact of the sunlight on your vision.
- Ensure that your wiper blades are in good condition to effectively clear away any dirt or debris.
- Wearing sunglasses can also significantly reduce glare.
- Adjusting your sun visor to block out direct sunlight can make a big difference too.
What should be in your summer car emergency kit?
- Enough water for everyone travelling
- Snacks that won’t melt!
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Portable phone charger
- Torch
- Reflective hazard sign
- Blanket – for warmth or providing shade
Now that you’re equipped with essential tips for summer driving and car maintenance, it’s time to take the next step towards becoming a skilled and confident driver. Our 5-day intensive driving courses are designed to fast-track your learning and get you test-ready in just one week.