Top Driving Tips for Summer

Summer is on the way, well we hope so anyway! With the kids off school for the long summer holidays, it’s a great time to get out and about in the car. We tend to worry about winter driving, with the ice, snow and rain, but we take summer driving for-granted, however, summer comes with its own motoring perils, so here are some tips to keep you safe and happy on all your summer outings.

Check your tyres regularly

If you have problems with your tyres, high temperatures will make them worse. Check your tread depth regularly and renew your tyres if there’s any issue. Driving on tyres without the minimum tread depth is dangerous at any time of year and may cause car accidents. Check your tyre pressure too. If you’re going on holiday with a car packed with luggage then remember to allow for this with your tyre pressure. If you’re unsure about the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle, then look up your make and model online to get it right.

Keep an eye on your coolant system

Hot weather can cause problems with your coolant system. Check your coolant reservoir regularly, check the hoses for any signs of dampness or staining. If you see anything like this, get it checked out at the garage.

Check the fan

It’s easy to check your fan. Run the car to normal engine then let the engine idle for a few minutes. If the fan is working correctly, then it should cut in automatically.

Prepare for glare

A lot of accidents happen when glare from the sun gets in the eyes of drivers and limits vision. Make sure you keep a pair of sunglasses in your car in case you need them. If you travel at dawn or dusk, these are the worst times for glare, so be prepared. Make sure your windscreen is sparkling clean, smears can aggravate the effects of glare.

Don’t get tired

Warm weather can make us sleepy. Of course driving when tired is very dangerous so make sure you don’t drive when you’re tired. If you do find yourself feeling tired, take a break, have a cup of coffee and rest for 20 minutes to give the coffee time to get into your system and perk you up. Try to avoid heavy meals before you drive, and it’s very wise to avoid any alcohol. Try to share the driving on long journeys whenever possible.

Keep your distance to avoid chips

Dry summer weather can dry out the roads and cause more loose chipping than in the cooler months. Even a tiny chop can ruin your windscreen and damage your bodywork. Keep your distance from other drivers to reduce these risks.

If you follow these tips, you’re well on your way to a safe and enjoyable summer of driving. Have fun!