Summer driving: tips for safer driving
How our essential tips can help you to stay safe on the road this summer.
Summer’s here, and with it comes sunny skies, road trips, and long days out, but the season also brings its own set of challenges for drivers.
To help keep yourself and others safe, here are some practical tips to ensure your summer journeys are smooth and stress-free.
Check your tyres
Before setting off, check your tyre pressure and ensure it matches the manufacturer's recommendations.
Also, inspect your tyres for wear and tear, as worn or damaged tyres can't grip the road as well. This can make it harder to control your vehicle and increases the risk of accidents, especially in sudden summer downpours. Uneven tyre wear may also indicate alignment issues, which should be fixed by a tyre fitting professional before long drives.
Keep your windscreen clean
Dust, dirt, and insects can build up on your windscreen quickly during summer. When the sun’s at its brightest, this can make it even harder to see the road.
Regularly clean your windscreen both inside and out and top up your screenwash. You might also want to keep some ready-to-use screenwash in your car in case you run out while on a long trip.
Beware of glare and wear sunglasses
Bright sunlight can obscure your vision, making it harder to spot hazards or read road signs.
Ensure your windscreen is free from smears or streaks that might cause glare. Your car’s sun visor can also help to block harsh sunlight when driving directly towards the sun.
It might be useful to keep sunglasses in your car. Choose a pair with polarised lenses to reduce glare and enhance contrast. Look for 100% UV protection (sometimes labelled as UV400), as they’ll give you the best possible view of the road while protecting your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Wear the correct footwear
Summer footwear like flip-flops and sandals are a summer staple, but they can slip off or get caught under your pedals, making them a hazard while driving.
Instead, opt for sturdy, closed-toe footwear that gives you full control of the pedals. If you’re heading to the beach or pool, change into your sandals or flip-flops once you’ve parked safely.
Plan your route
If you’re driving to a new destination or along a scenic route, planning ahead can save you time and reduce stress.
Driving during cooler parts of the day can be more comfortable. Just bear in mind that summer is a prime time for road repairs and construction, so keep an eye on traffic updates to avoid unexpected detours and lengthier trips.
While sat nav systems are helpful, they can sometimes fail in rural areas with poor signal. Having a physical map ensures you can always find your way.
Stay hydrated
Hot weather can dehydrate you quickly, especially on long journeys.
Pack enough water for everyone in the car to stay hydrated throughout your journey, and bring some extra, too. If you’re stuck in traffic on a hot day, you’ll be glad you did.
Caffeinated drinks can dehydrate you, so stick to water or other hydrating beverages instead.
Pack a summer emergency kit
Prepare for the unexpected with a summer emergency kit. Include essentials such as:
- Sunscreen
- A reflective sunshade for your windscreen (this can keep the inside of your vehicle cool while it's parked in direct sunlight).
- A torch
- A phone charger
- A basic first-aid kit
- A paper map of the local area
- Snacks and plenty of water
Be aware of heat-related risks
Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise alarmingly fast, even on mild days, putting them at serious risk.
Avoid leaving items like phones, sunglasses, aerosols or anything with a battery on the dashboard, where they can overheat or cause glare.
Adjust your driving style for summer
Hot roads can be slippery, especially after a rain shower. Leave more space between your car and the one in front to allow for longer braking distances.
There’s more foot and bike traffic in summer, especially near parks or beaches. Be extra cautious in these areas.
In rural areas, summer often means more tractors and farm equipment on the roads. Be patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so.
Protect your interior
You can use a windscreen shade to prevent your dashboard and seats from overheating or fading in direct sunlight.
If you have leather seats, consider seat covers or cushions to avoid burns on hot days.
Use your car’s ventilation system effectively
To cool your car quickly, start driving with your windows open to let hot air escape. Then, close your windows and switch on the air conditioning. Direct the air vents towards the ceiling for better circulation throughout the car.
Summer car maintenance
The heat can take a toll on your car, so regular maintenance checks are even more important during the summer months. Here’s a list of what to look out for:
- Coolant levels. Hot weather can cause your engine to overheat. Check your coolant levels and top them up if needed.
- Air conditioning. If your AC isn’t as cold as it should be, it may need recharging or servicing.
- Battery health. Heat can affect your car battery’s performance. Inspect it for signs of corrosion (this will look like a white, green, or bluish powder) and ensure it’s holding a charge.
- Oil levels. Summer driving often involves longer journeys, so check your oil levels before you start your journey, or you could run out halfway.
- Screenwash levels. While you’re on the road, the only way to reduce glare from streaks is by using your screenwash, so you don’t want your levels to get low.
- Wiper blades. Summer rain can strike unexpectedly. Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition and replace them if they leave streaks.
- Lights. Longer days don’t mean you can ignore your lights. As always, you should regularly check your headlights, brake lights, and indicators to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Review your car insurance
Summer often means longer drives, road trips, and possibly travelling further afield, so it’s a good idea to check your car insurance is up to date and still meets your needs. Here’s what to consider:
- Breakdown cover. Does your policy include breakdown cover? Summer journeys can involve unfamiliar or remote routes, so having breakdown cover can offer peace of mind. Breakdown cover usually comes in a range of cover options, so it's worth checking with your provider what you're covered for.
- Windscreen cover. Hot weather can cause chips or cracks to spread quickly. Whilst you will generally need to pay an excess, policies which include windscreen cover can help protect you from unexpected costs.
- Driving abroad. If you're planning to drive in Europe, check what level of cover and options your policy provides.
- Courtesy car. If your vehicle needs repairs after an accident, having access to a courtesy car can help keep your summer plans on track.
Always check your policy for details of full terms and conditions.
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