Tips for warm summer trips

Keep your vehicle cool

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  Park in the shade. If that’s not possible, park facing away from the sun so your dashboard stays cooler. Or place a sunshade on your windshield.
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  Is it hot inside your vehicle? Drive briefly with all windows open and turn on the air conditioning to blow out the hot air from the vents. Then you can close the windows again.
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  As soon as your air conditioning starts blowing cold air, switch to recirculation mode. This way, the system doesn’t need to cool outside air and your vehicle cools down faster.
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  Prefer not to use air conditioning? Create a breeze by slightly opening the driver’s window and the rear passenger window on the opposite side.
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  Aim for an interior temperature of 22–23°C. This prevents your air conditioning from working at full power. Sunshades with suction cups also work wonders for passengers in the back.
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  Direct your air conditioning upwards to ensure optimal air circulation for everyone.

Keep your passengers cool

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  Make sure you have enough water on board. You definitely don’t want to run out during a long traffic jam in high temperatures.
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  Be careful with children and pets. Always take them with you when you leave the vehicle, as leaving a window open is never enough on a hot day.
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  Try to plan your trip in the morning or evening. Between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., the sun can be scorching, so it’s better to stay somewhere cool during those hours.

Travel smart and prepared

Every trip is different, but here are some important points to keep in mind for your summer journey:

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  Place your heaviest luggage at the bottom of your trunk and as close to the wheels as possible.
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  Avoid carrying loose items or hand luggage inside the vehicle.
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  Traveling outside the Schengen Area? Request your certificate in time via Rentadrive.org.
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  Check traffic regulations, toll stickers (vignettes), and environmental stickers for your route and destination.
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  Different language? Fuel types may have different names. Do your research to make sure you always refuel correctly.
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  Bringing bikes on holiday? Don’t leave them in the heat, especially electric bikes.
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  Traveling with a caravan? Be aware of all regulations and speed limits per country.
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  When driving downhill, try to brake as little as possible. It’s better to brake firmly for short moments rather than continuously. This prevents your brakes from overheating and losing effectiveness. You can also downshift to slow down.
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  Driving an electric vehicle? Then you can use regenerative braking.

With all these tips in mind, you’ll be able to hit the road much more carefree this summer.