Prepare your vehicle for summer driving
Before your long summer road trips, you should make sure that your vehicle is prepared to cope with all conditions. Check out our summer driving safety tips below to prepare your car for any conditions you may encounter this summer:
Windscreen wipers
You should check your windscreen wipers before any long journey. Make sure there are no cracks or splits visible on your front or rear wipers, and make sure they’re still making contact with the windscreen. If you notice any problems with your wipers then you should get them replaced. It’s also very important to check your screen wash and if it’s low you should make sure it’s sufficiently full. The UK weather is unpredictable and we can experience sudden, heavy downpours at random times, so it’s important that your visibility is clear at all times.
Engine fluids
Other engine fluids such as your oil should also be checked before your journey. You can check this at home using your dipstick and have it topped up if it does not meet the minimum level. Make sure your engine coolant is at a sufficient level and again, top it up if it’s not, this is important as the coolant will prevent your engine from overheating.
Check your tyres
This is an important part of vehicle maintenance and should be undertaken at least once a month. However, before any long journey, you should always check your tyres. Like always, make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressures and that they are adjusted properly if you’re carrying a heavier load than usual. As mentioned previously, the UK can suffer from heavy downpours during the summer, so you should always check that your tyres have adequate levels of tread. You need to be sure that your tyre tread is capable of performing on wet and slippery surfaces. Tyre tread enables tyres to grip the road, increases your resistance against aquaplaning and provides shorter braking distances. If your tread depth is lower than 3mm then you should consider replacing your tyres before your long journey to avoid any consequences.
While you’re checking your tyres, you should also visually inspect them and look for any form of damage. When temperatures are hot, damaged tyres can be aggravated by the road surface and potentially develop into larger problems. If you happen to notice anything irregular, you should take your car to your local garage for a specialist to look at it.
Keeping your car cool during summer
It’s vital that you keep your car cool during a warm summer journey. Cars today are fitted with air conditioning systems, but it’s important that you keep on top of maintenance if you want to ensure it is working efficiently. As air conditioning systems aren’t part of a routine service check, you should get yours checked every two years. Having your air conditioning checked and recharged every two years will keep yourself and your car cool, lower your fuel consumption and maximise its overall performance.
What to take with you on summer drives
They might seem like simple items, but they can help you out a long way during a long summer drive:
- Bottled water – it’s important to stay hydrated and can also be used to top up your engine coolant if your engine overheats.
- In-car phone charger – a portable charger or spare mobile phone is ideal as well, just in case you need to contact someone for assistance if needed.
- Sunglasses – keep your eyes protected and your vision clear at all times.
- First aid kit – in case of an emergency.
- Screen wipes – in order to remove any obstructions or dirt which can end up blocking the inside of your windscreen