Summer Car Safety Tips: Stay Road-Ready
With summer just around the corner, you may have already planned a weekend getaway. As much as you’re ready to enjoy the warm weather ahead, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re taking safety precautions to maintain your vehicle.
Depending on heat and humidity, your car’s engine could be prone to overheating and other risks such as punctures.
How to Maintain Your Car During the Summer
When it comes to driving during the summer, one of the best and simple safety tips is to ensure that your keys are kept safe and dry, as it’s very easy for water to damage your key fob or key. If you plan on taking your car keys with you when you’re spending the day at the beach, keep them in a waterproof bag in a secure place to get lost in the sand.
It’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your car’s tyres to make sure there aren’t any punctures or considerable damage. Roadworks tend to take place during the summer, which can affect the condition of tyres.
Also, be mindful of your car’s engine. If you feel as though your vehicle is struggling to drive. If the temperature gauge warning light illuminates on the dashboard, be sure to pull over and feel the car bonnet. If your engine has overheated, find a safe place to pull over and shut off the car to give it time to cool down, and top up with coolant if required.
Should You Be Driving if You Are Prone to Hay Fever?
Depending on how severe your hayfever symptoms are, you may want to rethink driving long distances during the summer. Symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing can be distractions when driving and can increase the risk of collisions. So if possible, have someone else drive while suffering when you’re suffering from hayfever, or consider public transport.
Don’t Drive When Tired
This might be common sense, but a consistent warm heat can easily tire you out faster than you realise.
When fatigued, your reaction time is less effective, and collisions are more likely to occur, so be sure to take regular breaks when you feel tired.
Stay Hydrated
While it’s important to ensure that your passengers are properly hydrated during the journey, you can’t neglect yourself.
Dehydration can lead to headaches, blurred vision and fatigue, so be sure to top up on water regularly and find safe places to pull over to do so.
Ways to keep babies and small children cool
If you’re travelling with young children, then it’s important to ensure that they are kept safe and comfortable when driving in the summer heat.
Consider purchasing reflective sunshades for the windshield to avoid the car heating up
Having your car’s windows tinted can be a great idea to block UV radiation as well
Make use of handheld fans and water spray bottles so your child can keep cool during the journey
Don’t leave your child in the car unoccupied, as there’s the risk of overheating
Be sure to pack extra snacks and water to ensure that your child stays hydrated and energised during the journey.
How to Stop Your Pet Overheating in the Car
If you have a pet who’s part of the family, it’s understandable that you’ll want to take them with you on your summer holidays. To ensure that your pet enjoys the weather with you, it’s best to do the following:
Take water and food for your pet in case you find yourself stuck in traffic to avoid the risk of them becoming hungry and dehydrated
Appropriately secure them into the backseat using a harness, seat belt or crate - whichever they are most comfortable with
Be sure to take regular breaks from driving if you’re travelling a long journey so your pet can stretch their legs
Don’t leave your pet alone in the vehicle on warm days as they can easily overheat
Now that you know these key tips for ensuring you and your passengers stay safe while driving in the summer, you’re ready to enjoy your holidays!