As much as we love hitting the road and getting out and about, the sun at this time of year can actually cause a lot of issues when driving so check out what to be mindful of in our blog.
Just like icy or bad weather, the sun brings its own driving risks.
Here are some simple tasks you can do to help you stay safe during your bank holiday road trips:
Summer Car Checks
We know it can be bottom of the agenda to give the car a once over when you’re trying to get out the door with kids/furry friends and everything but the kitchen sink in tow but these are some of the most important pre journey checks that you can do:
- Check the Engine Oil – only takes a few seconds to do a quick dip and top up if needed.
- Fill up your Windscreen Wash – there’s some nifty summer ones available which are great at getting rid of all those nasty streaks left behind by squished bugs.
- Check your Tyre Pressure – easy to do at the nearest petrol station when you’re filling up and if you find it a little daunting you can get some extra help here.
- Make sure you have fuel and that goes for ad blue too!
Summer Driving Tips
- Glare on the road especially after one of our many sporadic rain showers can make it difficult to see. Make sure to keep a pair of sunglasses in the car (prescription ones if needed) and use your sun visor when required. Don’t forget most visors also move to the side to help prevent being blinded from the side window.
- The sun and the heat can make you feel a bit tired, so make sure to take regular breaks especially on long journeys or better still, take turns driving. If you do start to feel tired, stop your car in a safe space such as a service station (Never stop on a hard shoulder or on the motorway)
- Stay hydrated! In the warmer months it is more likely that you may get caught in a traffic jam or long queues of traffic. Keeping water in the car ensures that you and your passengers are well hydrated.
- There are a few things you shouldn’t leave in your car. The most important is children or pets which you should never ever leave in your car but also you shouldn’t leave anything sitting on the dashboard - objects can easily heat and melt.