Tips for safe driving during a heatwave

Staying hydrated is essential when driving. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, weakness, fatigue and reduced concentration, all of which can affect your ability to drive safely. Health authorities recommend drinking fluids regularly during hot weather, even before you feel thirsty ^4,5 . Keep a bottle of water within easy reach and drink regularly throughout your journey. If you are travelling long distances, plan regular stops to stretch your legs, cool down and rehydrate.

Top tip: Try to avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and sugary drinks, as these may contribute to dehydration⁶.

Hot weather can increase tire pressure and place more stress on tires. Incorrect tire pressure, worn tread or existing tire damage can increase the risk of tire failure, particularly during long journeys. Check tire pressures when the tires are cold and ensure they match the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Also inspect tires for signs of wear, bulges, cuts or damage^7,8.

A vehicle parked in direct sunlight can become extremely hot. Before setting off, open the doors and windows for 30–60 seconds to allow hot air to escape. If your vehicle has remote climate control, consider activating the air conditioning minutes before departure⁹.

Cooling systems work harder during periods of extreme heat. Before setting off, check that coolant, engine oil and windscreen washer fluid levels are adequate. Low coolant levels can increase the risk of engine overheating and breakdowns, particularly during long journeys or in slow-moving traffic^10,11.

Bright sunshine and glare can reduce visibility and increase eye strain, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon. Consider wearing a quality pair of polarised sunglasses to improve comfort and visibility while driving.

Light-colored clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen can help keep you cool and comfortable, reducing the likelihood of heat-related fatigue.

Heat can increase tiredness and reduce alertness. On longer journeys, take regular breaks to stretch, cool down and drink water. Planning breaks every couple of hours can help keep concentration and reduce fatigue^12,13.

Whenever possible, park in a shaded area and use a windscreen sunshade to help keep the interior of your vehicle cooler. This can improve comfort when returning to your vehicle and help protect interior surfaces from excessive heat.

The temperature inside a parked vehicle can reach dangerous levels within minutes, even on relatively mild days. Safety authorities warn that leaving windows slightly open does not significantly slow the rate at which a vehicle heats up. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature effectively^14,15.

Remember: A child's body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult's ^16,17.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause electronic devices and power banks to overheat, potentially resulting in reduced battery performance, device damage or, in rare cases, fire hazards.

Store phones, tablets, laptops and power banks out of direct sunlight whenever possible, particularly when leaving them in a vehicle.

Summer traffic, roadworks and vehicle breakdowns can leave drivers stranded in hot conditions for longer than expected. Carry sufficient drinking water, ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and consider packing essential items such as sunscreen, medication and a charging cable^18,19.

For longer journeys, it may also be useful to carry:

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  A first-aid kit
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  A warning triangle (where legally allowed)
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  Emergency contact details
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  Light snacks
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  A battery pack for your mobile phone

If your engine temperature warning light shows or the temperature gauge rises into the danger zone, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and seek professional help. Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can cause serious engine damage^20,21. Extreme temperatures can increase the likelihood of vehicle breakdowns. If your vehicle develops temperature warning light appears:

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  Pull over safely and switch on your hazard warning lights
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  Move yourself and passengers to a safe location away from traffic where possible
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  Contact roadside assistance – call Ayvens
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  Keep hydrated while waiting for help
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  Monitor children, older passengers and pets closely for signs of heat stress^22,23

A little preparation can make a significant difference during a heatwave. By staying hydrated, checking your vehicle before travelling, taking regular breaks and preparing for unexpected delays, you can help make your journey safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable.

Stay safe and enjoy the summer.

Sources

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  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Summer Driving Tips – https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips²⁴
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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Heat and Your Health – https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/²⁵
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  National Weather Service: Children, Pets and Vehicles – https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets²⁶
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  RAC: UK Heatwaves – Data and Advice – https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/uk-heatwaves/²⁷
• •
  NHTSA: Child Heatstroke Prevention – https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke²⁸

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.html ² https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips ³ https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/uk-heatwaves/ ⁴ https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.html ⁵ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dehydration-and-heat-stroke ^6 ^https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.html ⁷ https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips ⁸ https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/uk-heatwaves/ ⁹ https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips ¹⁰ https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips ¹¹ https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/uk-heatwaves/ ¹² https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motoring-news/heatwave-uk-car-checks/ ¹³ https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.html ¹⁴ https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets ¹⁵ https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke ¹⁶ https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke ¹⁷ https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips ¹⁸ https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motoring-news/heatwave-uk-car-checks/ ¹⁹ https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips ²⁰ https://rac.com.au/horizons/drive/5-ways-to-protect-your-car-in-a-heatwave ²¹ https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/uk-heatwaves/ ²²https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/uk-heatwaves/ ²³ https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips ²⁴ https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips ²⁵ https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.html ²⁶ https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets ²⁷ https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/uk-heatwaves/ ²⁸ https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke