The summer has been unpredictable, to say the least. There was a dry heat, then hot and humid, then there was a storm that came out of nowhere and cooler days. It’s important to consider how heat can affect your driving during summer, especially after a hot week.
Every weather condition, even heatwaves presents its own set of challenges. It takes time to think and have some knowledge about how to maintain vehicles in extreme temperatures.
Preparing your car for heat will prevent any breakdowns and minimize damage. It will also help you get back on your road quickly if anything goes wrong.
This is especially important if you’re going on a long trip or holiday. The last thing you want is to be alone and far from your family.
Check Your Oil & Water
The coolant and oil in your car are crucial to keeping it cool during hot weather. Before you leave, make sure to check all fluid levels and refill any that are low.
You could end up stranded if your coolant or oil falls below the minimum level.
Check Your Tires
The air in your tires can expand during a heatwave. In bad conditions, your tires can be more susceptible to punctures, tears, and rips than they are in cooler temperatures. Before you embark on long trips, make sure to inspect your tires. You can have them replaced if they aren’t up to the task.
Keep Cool Air Moving
Check your air conditioner if it hasn’t been serviced in a while. It might not feel as cold as it should. Get it serviced. It’s not the worst thing to feel the heat rising suddenly on a trip when the air conditioner has stopped working.
Wear Your Sunglasses
Driving in sunlit weather can cause glare, especially at sunset and sunrise. Make sure to pack sunglasses if you are driving in the heatwave. Before you leave for the road, make sure to clean the lenses. This will ensure that any dirt, streaks, or other imperfections won’t affect your vision.
Add Some Color
Your car’s interior will stay cool by protecting it from the sun. Park your car in the shade whenever possible.
To keep the sun out of your interior, get a silver protector for the windscreen if there is no shade. If you have passengers, make sure to keep them protected from the sun by using your side windows.
Water And Supplies
It can be difficult to break down during a heatwave. It can be difficult to get shelter if you are trapped in heatwave conditions.
If you are going on a long trip, make sure you have a cooler bag with snacks and drinks to keep you hydrated. An umbrella can be useful to provide shade for sunny days.
Consider the needs of your passengers, especially children, and pets. If you’re distracted by the discomfort of others, a difficult journey can be even more difficult.
Plan Your Trip
You might find that everyone else is planning the same trip as you, which could lead to traffic jams.
The heat can cause you to sit in a hot car for too long. If possible, avoid driving in hotter and busier times. Also, if you get stuck in traffic, be sure to check the temperature gauge. Hot weather can cause cars to heat up more quickly, so make sure to pull over and let it cool off if necessary.
For more information on driving, contact a local driving instructor near you to learn how you can drive.