Guide To Extreme Heat and Summer Driving

Extreme heat and sunshine are a fact of life for much of the UK, but it’s not just about dealing with sweaty summers, extended daylight hours, and all that annoying sunshine. These factors combined also increase the risk of suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke when spending too much time outdoors.

Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the risks associated with hot weather and driving in the summer, in this article we look at a few safety tips for anyone intending on hitting the road this summer for work, vacation or a day out:

1. Keep Your Distance
Never get too close to the vehicle in front of you, especially on a hot day – did you know the heat from their brakes can substantially increase your tyres’ temperature? If your tyres are too hot, they can blow out or catch fire.

Driving conditions become so treacherous during the summer; some private and motor trade insurance brokers will offer special incentives to drivers who remain cautious during these months.

Whether you’re looking to renew your current Insurance policy or purchase a new one you might want to speak to your local insurance broker about a summer vehicle driving plans.

2. Look After Pets
Dogs and cats are just as susceptible to heat stroke as humans, so make sure they stay calm if they are traveling with you in a vehicle this summer.

If they start panting heavily or drooling excessively, then it’s time for a break from the heat. It is against the law to make pets suffer in any vehicle, please make sure your pet is never left unattended locked in a hot vehicle, and if you ever see a pet in locked in a vehicle on a hot day immediately call the emergency services for help.

3. Drive Carefully
Don’t drive too fast on hot days, keep your speed down when driving in the sun. This will increase your fuel economy and help to reduce the risk of tyre blowouts.

Extreme heat can cause several operational issues for vehicles, and recent studies suggest that a high number of breakdowns occur during the summer.

Whether you are a private motorist or motor trade professional, having a vehicle breakdown policy can help protect your vehicle from unexpected expenses due to overheating or other factors that may lead to a breakdown.

The most suitable vehicle breakdown policy will depend on several factors, including the distance you drive, the type of vehicle you own, and your preferred level of cover and excess. You can decide on this together with your preferred insurance broker.

4. Check Tyres and Coolant
You should try and get in the habit of checking tyre pressure regularly – In addition to keeping you safe, it will also help you save on fuel expense.

If your tyres are under-inflated, the vehicle will use more petrol to keep them moving. Also, check the tread and ensure it is not too worn down, generally, tyres should have at least 1.6mm of tread for every 10mm width.

Make sure your coolant levels are also topped up before every long journey and keep an eye on the temperature gauge when driving in hot weather.

If you notice that the temperature is too high, it could signify a problem, in this happens it is advised you speak to the nearest motor trade mechanic to be on the safe side.