Motorists have been told how to drive during the drive comfortably and safely during the hot weather the UK has been experiencing this month.
Motoring experts from StressFreeCarRental.com have revealed seven top tips to ensure drivers stay safe and comfortable when on the roads this week.
Driving through extreme temperatures means ensuring coolant is topped to the correct levels, preparing for potential wildfires and parking in a well-shaded area.
Britons have been told to brace themselves for a September scorcher as weather forecast predicts unusual highs.
Temperatures are set to climb even higher into the weekend as temperatures will reach the low thirties across England and Wales.
Heatwaves can cause countless problems for motorists, including with wheel pressure, so drivers should check them in the morning when the air is cooler before hitting the roads.
There is also a chance of wildfires in hot and dry conditions, so it is vital drivers know what to do in these circumstances.
A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “With heatwaves continuing to sweep through the UK, it is vital motorists know what to do.
“Motorists must prepare for how to drive in these extreme weather conditions and the issues and risks they can bring, such as wildfires.
“Driving in the summer brings about lots of challenges, but heatwaves intensify the usual summer issues drivers experience such as heat and restlessness.
“By ensuring you are on top of all your checks and you’ve thought ahead with the journey and planned for any problems it should make it comfortable and safe.
“Just like drivers must adapt driving styles for the winter months, the same should be done in summer to keep the roads safe.”
These are StressFreeCarRental.com’s seven heatwave driving tips:
1. Check tyres
When cars are left in sunlight the heat can cause the tyre air to expand, increasing the pressure. Drivers must ensure that all tyres are checked on a morning, before being exposed to direct sunlight, which will reduce the risk of under, or over-inflated tyres that can cause problems such as blowouts, which can cause costly repairs.
2. Prepare for wildfires
Drivers should prepare for wildfires before taking to the roads as they can happen suddenly, and becoming trapped in vehicles is one of the leading causes of wildfire deaths because people wait too long.
The most important thing anyone can do is to swiftly follow initial evacuation warnings because wildfires move quickly and can trap people because they block roads, decrease visibility and cause traffic. Any motorist who finds themselves in a blaze should stay calm, turn away and head away from it, roll up windows and block air vents. If flames approach, park there is nothing that can fuel the flames, or behind a barrier from the flames such as a concrete wall. Do not leave the vehicle until the flames have passed and remain low to shield away from the heat.
3. Beware of low sun
The sun can often be very low and dangerous when driving in the summer, particularly in heatwaves, late at night and early in the morning. Using sun vizors will provide drivers with safer conditions as they concentrate on the road. Don’t be afraid to slow down to increase reaction time if something goes wrong- backing off from the car in front will also make it safer.
4. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge
Just like us humans, when cars get hot they need water to survive. On a hot day, coolant runs around the engine at a higher temperature, causing some parts of the engine to overheat. The key is to ensure there’s plenty of air around the engine, so keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge.
5. Park in the shade
There’s nothing worse than getting in a car and not being able to touch the steering wheel or gear stick because it’s too hot. Drivers can combat this by parking in shaded areas as much as possible, or keeping these areas covered with material or a metallic sheet to reflect the sunlight and heat out of the car.
6. Top up on washer fluid
Ensuring vehicles are filled with washer fluid is always important, but even more so in the summer when there are lots of flies and insects about. If a driver doesn’t have any washer fluid, the windscreen could become extremely dirty, which can negatively impact vision.
7. Be prepared
Stock up on the usual summer essentials such as water and sunglasses. When it is hot, drivers will lose more fluids in sweat, causing dehydration, dizziness and tiredness and can increase the risk of a crash. Similarly, sunglasses protect the eyes while driving from the beaming sun and glare, making driving a lot safer on a sunny day.
COMMENTS