Practical tips for driving in summer

Once again summer has arrived, the season we all prefer for holidays and when we most feel like taking the car and going out to enjoy the good weather. Besides, we have to spend a good while behind the wheel if we decide to drive to our holiday destination, so caution must be taken to the extreme when driving. The sun, the heat and the number of vehicles we will encounter on the journey can make everything a bit more complicated than at other times of the year.

Because of the hours on the road, with very high temperatures, the car must be in good condition and ready to do its job. Before starting the trip, you must thoroughly check the car and get it ready for it. All fluid levels must be correct, and any minor problem detected beforehand must be checked. The tyres must be in good condition and the pressure must be right. Do not start the journey without having properly checked their condition, trusting that you can add air during the trip.

As for the mechanics, an engine check can be very useful and prevent future problems during the journey. A mechanic can check the main points of the engine and rule out problems and risky situations. Bear in mind that the engine may run for many hours, and a small problem can end up in a breakdown that spoils the holiday.

Heat and sun can cause quite a lot of discomfort, so it is better to avoid risks and be prepared. Before starting the trip, make sure that the air conditioning is charged and ready to work properly. In addition, keep in mind that the driver must stay hydrated. It is advisable to carry a bottle of cold water to drink from every so often. Carry a portable cool box in the car with ice to keep drinks well chilled. Soft drinks can also be taken, although they provide sugar and keep you on alert.

Above all, you must know that you have to stop every time you need to drink, because it cannot be done while driving. This carries considerable risks, because you lose sight of the road, it can be dangerous and may also result in a traffic fine. And, of course, do not drink alcohol and rest every few hours. In other articles we have talked about how to reduce the heat inside the car and how to get the maximum performance from the air conditioning.

As for clothing for driving, wear comfortable clothes that let you breathe, and footwear should be comfortable. That said, it is better to avoid typical summer flip-flops, as they are very unstable and can cause problems while driving. It is also advisable to plan the journey well, since there are hours when the sun and heat hit hardest and it can be uncomfortable and dangerous.

The best time to start the journey is at dawn, when the sun has just risen and the temperature has not yet climbed. At that time, the morning freshness helps you stay awake and alert on the road. The trip should be started after having rested well, since drowsiness can also be dangerous. The night before, it is also advisable not to have eaten a heavy dinner and to go to bed early.

It is also worth locating the petrol stations where fuel is cheapest. This was much more complicated a few years ago, but today they can be found very easily online or with mobile apps. By changing the route a little, you may be able to save quite a bit when filling the tank.

If you are involved in any accident, however minor, stop and place the warning triangles, each one about 50 metres from the car, and do not step onto the road without the corresponding high-visibility vest. With these tips, we want you to arrive safely and rested at your holiday destination and then, return home with your batteries recharged and ready to get back to work with enthusiasm and energy. Have a really good summer! We will keep bringing you everything that happens in the world of motoring. See you soon!