Tips for Driving in Summertime

Each year millions take to the roads as families head off on summer vacations at home or abroad. Whether you are taking a hire car or the family car, you need to be aware of the hazards of driving in summer time. Read on for some useful tips.

Road Conditions: Hot sunshine can melt road surfaces causing roads to become very slippery. We all tend to just focus on wet road conditions when we consider treacherous road conditions but please remember that sunshine can be just as dangerous. Rainfall following a long dry spell can be hazardous as rainwater mixes with dust, oil and rubber to create dangerous road surfaces.

Last Minute Checks: Please make sure that you have checked all the necessary items before embarking on a long journey. Brake and clutch fluids, oil, tyre pressure and windscreen washer reservoirs should all be high on the checklist before departure.

Keep The Car Balanced: This is very important but often goes ignored until it is too late. All heavy items i.e. luggage etc should be placed as close to the centre of the car as possible. Never place these items on one side of the car where it can affect balance or impede the drivers view. Always keep heavy items from restricting the use of seat belts.

Items Inside the car: Keep all items in bags or containers if possible. Certain loose or heavy items kept in glove compartments can move around or become dislodged, distracting the driver.

Outside the car: If you are using a roof rack, make sure it is fixed firmly on the roof of the car and as low as possibly to maintain stability. High winds can knock a vehicle off course if roof racks are loaded too high. Surfboards or roof boxes should also be securely tied down.

Vigilance in Countryside/Beaches: Extra care should be taken when driving in the country. Farm animals often roam on country roads between fields and can be around the next corner. Be careful when travelling behind riders on horses. Overtake slowly leaving as much distance as possible. Remember also to drive slowly when approaching or travelling through beach areas. Children can often become excited and break from parental control and large crowds on warm days can be distracting.

If you have any more tips for driving in summer time for our readers, please leave your comments below.