Blog: Top Tips For Driving In Hot Weather

Another heatwave is on its way. Here's how to look after your vehicle, yourself and your passengers when things get hot.

We might not get scorching summer days often in the UK, so when the country is basking in heat you'd be forgiven for not quite knowing how to deal with it. Driving on hot days can be an uncomfortable experience at best. But it doesn't need to be. Here's how to stay cool, avoid breakdowns, and stay safe on car journeys during extreme heat.

1. Take plenty of water with you

It may sound obvious, but we've all experienced being in such a rush to get out the door only to forget the essential things. Always make sure you have enough water to keep you - and your passengers - hydrated throughout your journey. 

2. Check your tyres

You should regularly check your tyres throughout the year, and before making long journeys. Tyre pressure increases in hot weather, so it's best to check them when it's cooler, before the heatwave settles in. Under-inflated tyres flex more, which causes heat build-up. This means, after a period of hot, dry weather, rain (which almost inevitably follows a UK heatwave) combined with uneven tyre pressure can increase the chances of losing control on the road.

3. Ensure oil and coolant levels are topped up

During hot weather, it's more important than ever to ensure your vehicle is properly maintained in order to avoid breaking down. An engine that's running properly will rarely need its coolant levels to be replenished - but it's useful to check on a weekly basis during peak summer weather.

The same goes for engine oil. An optimum level will ensure it works efficiently and keeps the engine cool. 

4. Keep sunglasses in the car

Just like remembering to stay hydrated, you should always keep a pair of suitable sunglasses in the car. They can help reduce glare from the road on really hot days. The AA suggests choosing your sunglasses carefully though, as some fashionable lenses are too dark to drive in safely. 

5. Never leave children unattended 

It's against the law to leave children in the car unattended if doing so would put them at risk. During a heatwave, this would be considered very high risk indeed. A closed, stationary vehicle acts like a greenhouse on a hot day, trapping the heat in. Take your children with you to prevent heatstroke - even if you're only leaving the car for a small amount of time. 

6. Don't leave dogs (or pets of any kind) unattended either

Just as you wouldn't leave a child unattended, you shouldn't leave dogs or pets unattended in a parked car during extreme heat. Dogs and cats overheat faster than humans. It takes just 15 minutes in a hot car to cause brain injuries, organ damage, or even death to a dog. It's just not worth the risk. 

7. Park in the shade

Did you know too much sun can actually fade the paint on your car? Worse still, too much direct heat can cause your car's engine and battery to suffer. Parking in the shade (where possible) can help protect your car - and make it more comfortable when you get in. Investing in a sunshade for your window can also help prevent it from heating up too much. 

8. Avoid driving at the hottest times of day

The Met Office states the hottest time of the day in the UK tends to be between 11am and 3pm, with the sun at its highest ponit at approximately noon. This is when the sun's radiation is at its strongest, so it's best to avoid driving during these times. 

Equally, if you're making a long journey, it's better to leave early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid traffic and overcrowded roads. 

9. Take regular breaks

Particularly if you're on a long summer trip, it's important to take regular breaks. This will help you stay focussed while driving. It's important for your car too, as it'll help protect it against overheating components.