Driving in Summer | Complete Guide and Tips
26th May 2023
Guide to owning and driving cars in summer
After a long, usually wet winter in the UK, many people crave the summer months with extended daylight hours, warmer temperatures and dryer weather.
In this article, we offer some 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 scorching sunny days.
Summer vehicle maintenance tips
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 severe damage to your vehicle.
This is why proper vehicle maintenance is essential during the summer months to ensure optimal performance and prevent any potential breakdowns. The following checks should 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 susceptible to failure or inefficiency. Issues that might have gone unnoticed in milder temperatures are more likely to be exposed when it is hot outside.
By taking proactive measures to avoid overheating, such as maintaining proper coolant levels and monitoring the cooling system, you can safeguard your car's engine and avoid potential breakdowns on hotter summer days.
This is especially important to consider if you are taking a long drive in 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, so it is best to just 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, so make sure to get it serviced after winter and make sure it is functioning optimally for summer.
You should schedule regular inspections for your vehicle, as there are plenty of other things that could go wrong in hotter months that need to be maintained by qualified individuals.
They will be able to identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems, and you can have these checks done at your nearest Stratstone retailer.
Keeping Cool
To ensure a comfortable and cool journey for yourself and your passengers, there are several strategies to beat the heat inside your vehicle.
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, so 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. Additionally, using a windscreen shade when parking is beneficial, as most of the heat enters the vehicle through the glass.
By implementing these simple yet effective measures, you can ensure a cool and enjoyable experience for everyone onboard.
Allergies
During the summer, allergies can become particularly bothersome, and when driving, they can cause discomfort and distractions. It is crucial to take steps to alleviate allergies while on the road, not only for your personal comfort but also for safety.
Firstly, you can keep the windows closed to prevent pollen and other allergens from coming into the vehicle.
Utilise your air conditioning or climate control to circulate the air inside your car and keep everything cool instead of opening windows. This is also likely to be more effective to cool down the car's cabin.
Regularly cleaning and replacing the cabin air filter can also help to maintain good air quality, as well as using an allergy-friendly car air freshener.
Taking these measures to mitigate allergies while driving in summer can help you stay focused, reduce symptoms, and ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey for everyone in the car.
Increased Traffic
Driving safely becomes paramount during the summer months when roads are bustling with increased traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. To navigate these situations responsibly, several precautions should be taken.
- 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.
- Adhere 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.
By adopting these safety measures and respecting all road users, you can contribute to a safer summer experience for everyone on and around the road.
Maintaining Good Visibility
When driving in summer, ensuring optimal visibility is crucial for safe and confident manoeuvring on the road. One common challenge is dealing with the glare from the sun on the windscreen, which can hinder visibility.
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, so it is a good idea to have a spare pair of sunglasses in the car in case you do not bring any with you.
As well as this, adjusting your sun visor to block out direct sunlight can make a big difference too.
You can get your wiper blades and other elements of your vehicle serviced and maintained at a Stratstone retailer, so you can be as safe as possible in the hotter weather.
Make sure you and your car are ready for summer
By following our tips above, you can easily make sure you are fully prepared for driving and caring for your car in the summer months.
When it comes to making sure your car is safe and ready to tackle some summer road trips, we have friendly associates on hand to assist you at your nearest Stratstone retailer.
Book in for a free vehicle health check, so you can rest assured your car is safe and prepared to hit the open road.
