Summer Driving by Car

May 14, 2016 at 3:27 PM

With the summer holidays approaching, we thought we should share some hints and tips about driving in the summer and what you can do to help prevent your car from letting you down. 

As with at any point during the year, doing regular checks on your car are vital. 

Tyres

• Make sure the tyres are in good condition with no cuts, bulges, damage or perishing to the sidewalls. 
• Ensure sure the tread is above the legal limit of 1.6mm and that none of the tread is bald. 
• Check and top-up the tyre pressures as required...not forgetting the spare tyre! If you are carrying luggage or lots of passengers, the tyre pressures should be inflated to the 'full load' pressure. Details of these can be found in your handbook. 
• Check the condition of the tyres on your trailer or caravan. 

Lights & Wipers

• Ensure that all of the vehicle's external lights illuminate correctly. 
• Make sure that the wiper blades are not split and clear the screen effectively...they should be changed once or twice a year. 
• If you're towing a trailer or caravan, make sure the lights work correctly on the item you're towing too. 

Under Bonnet Checks

• Check all fluid levels, this includes engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid, power assisted steering fluid and screenwash. If you need to top up, then check your handbook first. 
• It is also worth carrying spare in the boot just in case you need to top up whilst you're out in the car.

Just in Case

• If you're using your car a lot over the summer then it is a wise idea to carry some spare essentials in the boot/glovebox of your car. This can include water, first aid kit, hand-held fans, etc.
• When driving abroad, check to see what items each country requires you to have in the car. Items can include hi-visability jackets, breathalisers etc. 
• It is worth keeping some change in the car for toll roads and parking meters. 

Tired Driving

• When you have been driving for a long time, you are more than likely feel tired. If you are feeling tired, pull over in a safe place and take a break. Coffee can help you feel more awake too. 
• A 20 minute break every couple of hours is a good idea, but take longer if you feel you need it. 

Air Conditioning

• It is at the time of year we use the Air Conditioning in our cars to the maximum. Before setting off on the long, hot journey, make sure that the Air Conditioning is working correctly. 

Roof Boxes and Cycle Carriers

• If you are using a roof box or cycle carrier, please make sure that they are securley fitted before setting off on the road and any items inside are secure too. It is also worth making sure they can be locked to ensure your possessions do not go missing in the car park! Bikes should also be sucurely fastened down and locked. 

Another important thing is to make sure that your car servicing, MOT, insurance and breakdown are up to date. If you're driving abroad, then make sure that your insurance and breakdown cover you for driving abroad. 

If you need an MOT Test or a Service, then we can arrange that for you. Please call us on 02392 177 424 for more details.