1ST Central car insurance share their top tips for driving during the heatwave.
Motoring on Female First
Inspect your tyres
With temperatures soaring, roads are hotter than usual. The air inside your tyres will expand and affect the pressure which could lead to a blowout. The heat can cause the rubber of a tyre to disintegrate too, so be sure to check the condition of your tyres – damage, wearing and pressure – especially before heading out on a long road trip.
Top up your engine fluids
As the temperature begins to soar, so does the temperature of the fluids inside your engine. Oil and coolant are essential for cooling down your engine and keeping it running when it’s being pushed to the extreme. Check your levels before embarking on a journey and top up when needed.
Park in the shade to take care of your car battery
Car batteries are made of acid and water and the water will evaporate faster than the acid in hot temperatures, leaving lead plates bare. Where possible, park your car in the shade to prevent levels from depleting.
Check your wipers
Warm weather brings bugs out in force and you can guarantee your windscreen will be covered in them. Make sure your wipers don’t need renewing and your washer fluid is topped up, so you can wipe off any pesky bug remnants.
Invest in a sun shade
There is nothing worse than stepping in to a sweltering car or burning your hands at the wheel. Why not purchase a reflective sun shade for the windshield which will help prevent the car from getting too hot. Sun shades can also be purchased for passenger seats to protect children from the glare of on long journeys.
Plan your journey and take more breaks
A leisurely drive is lovely on a beautiful sunny day, but the time spent in the sun can cause you to feel drowsy, especially if going on a long drive. Plan your route and know where your break stops will be.
Pack refreshing drinks in your car, not the boot
It’s always a good idea to pack drinks in your car – not in the boot. This will keep you refreshed and make sure you’re not too hot and drained to be concentrating on the roads. If driving with kids you should be especially careful when out in hot weather, particularly if your car doesn’t have air conditioning. Bring a cool box with some icy treats and could drinks, and make sure the kids are wearing loose clothing to stop them overheating.
Remember your emergency kit
As with any long car journey you should always remember to travel with a well-stocked emergency kit, especially in extreme weather conditions. Many minor car issues can be fixed with the tools within these, saving you having to call out for breakdown assistance.
Do not leave children or pets in the car
Even on short trips and pit stops remember to take children and pets with you instead of leaving them in the car. Although this is something you shouldn’t do, regardless of the weather condition, it is particularly dangerous to leave children and pets in cars in extreme heat as temperatures can treble, especially if your car is not in the shade.
Don’t forget your shades
A pair of sunnies are a key of any summer driving kit, as they’ll reduce glare and make it easier to see hazards, signs and lights. If you do opt for a fashionable pair, don’t go for blue lenses as they can make amber and green lights look almost interchangeable, causing a problem at traffic lights.
Tagged in Driving