Tips for driving in summer: A guide for safer travel

Higher temperatures place additional strain on your vehicle and can increase the risk of mechanical failure.

We’ve put together a simple summer car maintenance plan to help you get your vehicle ready for safe and reliable travel in hot weather.

Hot weather causes air inside tyres to expand, increasing pressure and the risk of blowouts, especially on long motorway journeys.

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  Check tyre pressure is to the manufacturer’s recommendation once a month and before long journeys.
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  For an accurate reading, check pressure when tires are cold and undriven for 3 hours.
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  Inspect in-use and spare tyres for cracks, bulges or uneven wear, and ensure tread depth is above 1.6mm (3mm is recommended for better grip).
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  If damage is found, replace or repair tyres before your journey.

Hot conditions make engines more likely to overheat, particularly in slow traffic.

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  Regularly check coolant levels are sitting between minimum and maximum markers.
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  If the liquid doesn’t reach the full line on the coolant reservoir, add a 50/50 mix of water and coolant until it does.
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  Check the levels of windshield washer fluid and ensure each reservoir is full.
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  If you drive an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or a hybrid, check your oil level.
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  Watch for sudden drops, which may indicate leaks and requirement for a service.

As temperatures rise, your air conditioning (A/C) has to work harder. A hot car reduces concentration, increases fatigue and can be dangerous for vulnerable individuals.

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  Test air conditioning performance before longer trips and consider servicing if this is poor.
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  In extreme heat, belts and hoses which provide air-conditioning can crack and blister. Pay attention to these during an upcoming service.

Heat accelerates battery wear and, in some circumstances, can lead to failure.

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  Check for battery corrosion by looking for white or blue powder around terminals.
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  Check plastic casing for any cracks or bulging, as this may indicate the need for replacement.
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  Make sure batteries older than 5 years are tested or replaced.

Summer travel often means longer journeys and heavier traffic, so you’ll need to be prepared for unfamiliar driving conditions.

With the arrival of summer, the roads can become congested, resulting in frustrating traffic jams. Plan your routes in advance, considering any known congested areas.

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  Avoid driving during peak hours and hottest parts of the day.
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  Check traffic before leaving and allow extra time, especially on weekends and bank holidays.
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  Plan fuel or charging stops in advance to avoid busy queues and surcharges.

Summer heat can also bring sudden and strong storms, resulting in dangerous driving conditions.

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  Monitor forecasts for sudden storms and wet weather.
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  Wet roads after dry spells can be particularly slippery and hazardous.

Heat can significantly affect both drivers and vehicles. Take frequent breaks to combat fatigue and pay attention to the behaviour of your fellow drivers.

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  Watch for cyclists, pedestrians and tourists, whose numbers increase in warmer weather.
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  Adjust speed for glare and weather conditions and look to increase your following distance on wet or unfamiliar roads.
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  Be vigilant and try to avoid being near drivers who appear distracted or aggressive.
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  Get a full night’s rest before travelling, take a break every two hours and share driving where possible.

The summer months can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals and can lead to further problems as the likelihood of breakdowns increases.

Dehydration is as deadly as alcohol. During summer, previous research has found there is a 129% increase in driver errors due to dehydration.

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  Carry plenty of water for you and all passengers.
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  Avoid heavy meals before driving and keep the cabin cool.
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  Watch out for headaches, dizziness, lack of concentration and muscle cramps.
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  Take regular breaks and stop as soon as it is safe to do so if you’re feeling faint.
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  Be aware that some hay fever medications can cause drowsiness. Check the label for any warnings before taking medication and driving.

Glare is often worst in the early morning and late afternoon, particularly when driving east or west.

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  Don't forget to pack a good pair of sunglasses to prevent glare and maintain clear visibility.
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  Keep windscreens clean, checking wiper fluid and wiper blades before you set off.
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  Slow down if visibility is reduced and consider stopping until this improves.

Even if a window is open or a sun-visor is in use, temperatures inside the car can be double outside temperatures.

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  Never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets in parked vehicles.
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  Check the temperature of your child’s car seat, uncovered buckles can reach high enough temperatures to cause second degree burns.
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  Use sunshades, open windows and air conditioning to keep interiors cool.
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  Consider using sunscreen even while inside your vehicle, as UVA rays can still pass through side windows.

Even a well-maintained vehicle can break down, so it’s wise to have an emergency roadside kit. Pack these essentials:

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  Water and non-perishable snacks
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  Phone charger or power bank
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  Sunglasses and extra sunscreen
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  First aid kit and essential medication
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  An emergency kit including a triangle, hi-vis vest and torch
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  Paper map for low signal areas
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  Jumper cables, pressure gauge and tyre jack
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  Spare and warmer clothes

If your car breaks down, safely pull over, turn your wheels to the left, turn on your hazard lights and leave the vehicle using the passenger doors furthest from moving traffic if necessary.

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  Tyres checked
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  Fluids topped up
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  Air conditioning working
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  Route planned
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  Weather checked
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  Essentials packed

If you’re planning to travel abroad this summer, visit our foreign travel page for further advice on taking your Ayvens vehicle abroad.

While you are reading this page, please keep in mind that the views expressed may no longer be current and any reference to specific vehicles or products is for reference only. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular vehicle, product or service. If you are unsure about the suitability of a product, you should consult an expert