Summer Driving Tips
As a nation, we know all about the perils of driving in icy conditions, but what about adapting your road skills to summer weather?
Whether you’re planning a holiday that requires a spot of international driving, or you’re staying put for a long, hot summer of barbecues, festivals (and traffic jams!), it’s a good idea to take note of a few pointers from Bumps and Scuffs which will help keep you safe, and your vehicle in tip top condition.
- Make sure your tyres are up to scratch. High temperatures can aggravate existing damage, and under-inflation adds to the problem, raising your risk of punctures or blow-outs. Conduct a thorough check of your tyres before embarking on a long journey and replace any nearing their end of life. Increase tyre pressure if you’re carrying lots of passengers or luggage – see your manual for details. And while your bathing suit may have no place for a spare tyre – you’ll need to make sure your car’s is fit for purpose!
- Gravel chippings. August is a key time for road maintenance, which means an increase in surface dressing, or laying tar covered with loose chippings. This can be a major cause of damaged paintwork and cracked headlamps so make sure you keep your distance from other vehicles and follow speed limit guidelines.
- Keep your levels topped up. Not only coolant, but also screen wash. With all that smeary bug residue, dusty air and the sun’s glare to boot, it’s important to ensure your windscreen is clear and there’s nothing obscuring your vision.
- Hayfever medication. Don’t take it without first checking whether it can cause drowsiness, and it’s worth getting used to your medication before embarking on any trips so you can be sure it won’t cause any adverse reactions which may interfere with your ability to drive. Avoid sneezing fits – keep windows closed, tissues handy and don’t be shy when it comes to using the air con: it might be juicy, but it could also prevent a nasty accident.
- Be mindful of other road users. The Tour de France has enticed many amateur cyclists onto the roads, so give them a wide berth and remember the golden rule when it comes to overtaking: If in doubt, don’t! It’s better to slow down and wait until you know things are clear, even if other drivers get frustrated. There will also be more tractors and agricultural vehicles about as the season progresses, so be careful on narrow country roads and remember that you aren’t as obvious to them as they are to you!
- Sunglasses. Remember, UV filters on most windscreens render photochromic lenses useless, so invest in a good pair of prescription sunglasses should you need them.
- And last, but not least… if you’re driving abroad this summer, be sure to check out the rules and regs of the country you’re visiting before you get there. The AA also offers some important advice on European driving, so have a read before you start packing.
Don’t forget, if you’d like your car restored to its former glory in time for the summer months, give us a call on 01252 217086. Whether you want to revamp tired paintwork, see to the nasty scratches on those alloys or fix the dent left by that cricket ball, our friendly team will be able to you book an appointment and get it sorted right away.
