Driving Tips to Keep Safe During Hot Weather

Motorists have been told how to drive comfortably and safely during the hot weather the UK has been experiencing this month.

Motoring experts from StressFreeCarRental.com have revealed seven tips to ensure drivers stay safe and comfortable on the roads this week.

Driving through extreme temperatures ensures coolant is topped to the correct levels, preparing for potential wildfires and parking in a well-shaded area.

Britons have been told to brace themselves for a September scorcher as weather forecast predicts unusual highs.

Temperatures are set to climb even higher into the weekend as temperatures will reach the low thirties across England and Wales.

Heatwaves can cause countless problems for motorists, including with wheel pressure, so drivers should check them in the morning when the air is cooler before hitting the roads.

There is also a chance of wildfires in hot and dry conditions, so drivers must know what to do.

A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “With heatwaves continuing to sweep through the UK, motorists must know what to do.

“Motorists must prepare for how to drive in these extreme weather conditions and the issues and risks they can bring, such as wildfires.

“Driving in the summer brings about many challenges, but heatwaves intensify the usual summer issues drivers experience, such as heat and restlessness.

“By ensuring you are on top of all your checks and you’ve thought ahead with the journey and planned for any problems, it should make it comfortable and safe.

“Just like drivers must adapt  driving styles for the winter months, the same should be done in summer to keep the  roads safe.”

 

These are StressFreeCarRental.com’s seven heatwave driving tips:

1. Check Tyres

When cars are left in sunlight, the heat can cause the tyre air to expand, increasing the pressure. Drivers must ensure that all tyres are checked on a morning before being exposed to direct sunlight, reducing the risk of under, or over-inflated tyres that can cause problems such as blowouts, which can cause costly repairs.

2. Prepare for Wildfires

Drivers should prepare for wildfires before taking to the roads as they can happen suddenly, and becoming trapped in vehicles is one of the leading causes of wildfire deaths because people wait too long.

The most important thing anyone can do is swiftly follow initial evacuation warnings because wildfires move quickly and trap people because they block roads, decrease visibility and cause traffic. Any motorist in a blaze should stay calm, turn and head away from it, roll up windows and block air vents. If flames approach, park there is nothing that can fuel the flames or behind a barrier from the flames, such as a concrete wall. Do not leave the vehicle until the flames have passed; remain low to shield from the heat.

3. Beware of Low Sun

The sun can often be very low and dangerous when driving in the summer, particularly in heatwaves, late at night and early in the morning. Using sun vizors will provide drivers safer conditions as they concentrate on the road. Don’t be afraid to slow down to increase reaction time if something goes wrong- backing off from the car in front will also make it safer.

4. Keep an Eye on the Temperature Gauge

Like humans, when cars get hot, they need water to survive. On a hot day, coolant runs around the engine at a higher temperature, causing some parts of the engine to overheat. The key is to ensure plenty of air around the engine, so keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge.

5. Park in the Shade

There’s nothing worse than getting in a car and not being able to touch the steering wheel or gear stick because it’s too hot. Drivers can combat this by parking in shaded areas as much as possible or keeping these areas covered with material or a metallic sheet to reflect the sunlight and heat out of the car.

6. Top up on Washer Fluid

Ensuring vehicles are filled with washer fluid is always essential, especially in the summer when there are many flies and insects. If a driver has no washer fluid, the windscreen could become extremely dirty, negatively impacting vision.

7. Be Prepared

Stock up on the usual summer essentials such as water and sunglasses. When it is hot, drivers will lose more fluids in sweat, causing dehydration, dizziness and tiredness and can increase the risk of a crash. Similarly, sunglasses protect the eyes from the beaming sun and glare, making driving safer on a sunny day.

To learn more about driving through extreme temperatures, visit https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/.