To ensure a safe and comfortable summer drive, prepare your vehicle by checking coolant levels, AC efficiency, and tire pressure, stay hydrated, dress appropriately, and plan your route to beat the heat.
Summer’s here, and with the sun blazing and temperatures rising, there’s a certain magic to hitting the British country roads. It doesn’t matter if you’re cruising down the Cotswolds’ scenic country lanes or exploring the Peak District’s rolling hills – summer driving is all about chasing the freedom and exploration that excites you. But before you put your foot to the pedal, remember: safety and comfort come first.
Driving in hot weather throws some unique curveballs your way. That’s why have compiled the biggest risks to avoid this summertime and what steps are needed to avoid them. With the right knowledge and a bit of preparation, you can make sure your summer drives are a truly sun-sational experience.
Prepare Your Vehicle For Summer
Keep Your Cool-ant
Summer heat can be brutal on your car, and the scorch will only increase over time. The Met Office predicts that within 50 years, the British summer will “be between 1 and 6°C warmer and up to 60% drier”.
A well-maintained cooling system is essential for combating the rising temperatures. By preventing overheating, a cooling system can save you from forking out on expensive repairs.
Our Top Tip: Check your coolant levels regularly when the engine is cool. The level should be between the minimum and maximum fill level indicator.
Breath of Fresh Air (Conditioning)
Beating the heat is key to a pleasant summer drive. A functional air conditioning system is your chill-est friend on the road.
Before you hit the tarmac, make sure your AC is up to snuff. Turn on the AC and see if cool air comes out. If it’s weak or takes a long time, you might have low refrigerant or other issues.
Our Top Tip: Watch out for strange noises, bad smells, or leaks around the AC unit. If your AC isn’t cooling effectively, get a professional to diagnose and fix it.
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Pump Your Ride
Proper tire care is important year-round, but especially in hot weather. A rough rule of thumb is for every 10°C rise this summer, your tyre’s pressure will lower by 1-2 PSI (pounds per square inch). Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Checking Tire Pressure: Monitor your pressure using a gauge and inflate to the recommended level found in your car’s manual. Under-inflated tires can overheat and increase the risk of blowouts.
- Tread Depth: Make sure your tires have enough tread for good traction on hot roads. You can check the tread depth using a simple gauge or the trade-approved penny test.
Our Top Tip: If your budget is flexible, consider switching to summer tires for better performance in hot weather. They offer improved grip and handling compared to all-season tires on dry and wet roads.
Prepare Yourself For Summer
Suspending Discomfort
The warm allure of the sun is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it can also be taxing. Here’s how to keep yourself cool and focused:
- Hydration is Key: Dehydration can make you drowsy and slow your reflexes. A 2017 study found that dehydrated drivers made more mistakes than usual, with errors in judgement increasingly sharply after the 90-minute mark. Pack plenty of water and sip regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Dress for the Heat: Lightweight, breathable clothes will help you stay cool. Consider window tinting or sunshades to block the sun’s rays and reduce heat inside the car.
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Steering Towards Success
Adapting your driving techniques for hot weather can enhance safety and reduce the risk of heat-related issues:
- Drive Smoothly: Aggressive driving, like rapid acceleration and braking, puts extra strain on your engine. Opt for moderate speeds and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. This reduces engine stress and gives you more time to react to unexpected situations.
- Turn Off Unnecessary Electronics: Excessive power drain can put a strain on your car’s electrical system and indirectly contribute to engine heat. Turn off features like phone chargers or high-powered audio systems if you’re not using them.
Plot Your Roadmap
A well-planned route is the key to a relaxing and enjoyable summer road trip. Here’s how to make your journey smooth sailing:
- Beat the Heat: Schedule regular breaks every couple of hours to get a breath of fresh air. While service stations are convenient, add a little exploration to your journey by planning your stops in picturesque villages! Additionally, try to plan your driving outside of the hottest part of the day (typically 3-6pm), aiming for early mornings or evenings.
- Be Prepared: Use navigation apps to stay updated on traffic and road closures. Identify rest stops and petrol stations beforehand. This ensures you know where to find fuel, refreshments, and opportunities to stretch your legs.
By planning your route effectively, you can avoid unnecessary stress and make the most of your summer adventure. If you’re ready to get started with exploring flexible car finance solutions, apply now for a bespoke quote in just sixty seconds.
Road Trip Playlist!
Perhaps the most important tip of all – the summertime playlist! Creating a diverse playlist can help capture the spirit of your trip and keeps everyone entertained:
- Mix it Up: Combine upbeat, energetic pop songs with classic road trip anthems to keep the tempo pumping.
- Collaboration is Key: Encourage everyone in the car to add their favourite songs to the mix. Alternatively, you can gamify the experience, making people choose based on alphabetical order or from a certain decade!
End of the Road
Summer beckons with open roads and exciting adventures. But before you hit the gas, prioritise safety and comfort. Taking some time to prepare your car and yourself can make a big difference.
Whether you check all of your vehicles’ systems or simply ensure that you are hydrated, spending just a few minutes following our simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of breakdowns and keep your journey smooth. So, stay cool, stay safe, and happy driving!
At Bright Motor Finance, we understand the importance of a reliable car for summer adventures. We can help you find the perfect vehicle and financing option to fit your needs – reach out to our specialists so you can hit the road with confidence and create lasting summer memories.