Driving in the heat can be dangerous, very hot weather can hinder your vehicle and your ability to drive safely. Here are some things that you can do to stay safe on the roads this summer:
Travel earlier or later in the day:
During the summer, the hottest part of the day will be between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm. Try to schedule your travel time before or after those hours. It will keep you cool, keep you out of the main traffic and will reduce stress.
Prepare for road congestion:
With many people going on holiday, there will be more cars on the road and it will lead to heavy congestion. Make sure you have snacks and cold water In the car in case of long wait times. It’s extremely important to keep hydrated.
Inspect your car:
– Tires
Heat causes air in your tires to expand. If there is too much pressure, your tires can blow out. Prevent this from happening by checking the tread and pressure before setting off.
– Coolant System
The pressure caps, hoses, belts, and radiator should all appear in good condition with no cracks or obvious wear. Make sure there are no leaks.
– Fluid Levels
Make sure your coolant levels are adequate before you leave, and take along some extra coolant and oil if you have room.
Wear Sunglasses:
Wearing sunglasses when you are behind the wheel for a summer road trip is a smart and easy way to protect your eyes from potential ultraviolet (UV) damage. Wearing sunglasses limits the impact of sun glare, which occurs when the sun’s strong rays reflect off other vehicles’ windshields or mirrors, road signs, building windows, and other smooth, reflective surfaces.
If you wear prescription glasses, consider purchasing a pair of prescription sunglasses or investing in transition lenses that automatically adjust depending on the light.
Windscreens:
Dazzle from the sun causes lots of accidents but you can reduce the effect by keeping your windscreen nice and clean, and by replacing worn or damaged windscreen wipers.
Consider Summer Allergies:
In England alone, around 10 million people live with hay fever – a condition that makes driving very difficult.
Hay fever tablets are known to have side effects such as blurred vision and drowsiness, which can impair a person’s ability to drive. Therefore, make sure to check the label of your medication before taking it – especially if you’ll be driving shortly afterwards.
Safe Driving:
Hot weather simply puts a higher load on your vehicle, so pushing it to drive at high speeds can wear it down even further. Drive the speed limit to reduce the wear on your vehicle and practice safe driving habits simultaneously.