Hot Weather Driving
Driving lessons > Learners section > Hot weather
 
Summer Driving
When it comes to the first burst of hot weather, we all love to think of stunning views, chilling on the beach or relaxing with a nice cool drink.
The problem is almost everyone else is thinking the same!!
So all the roads become congested, you end up spending 3 hours sitting in a traffic jam, and you become more stressed and annoyed, than you would of done by sitting at home.
Be prepared
The first thing you can do to help your journey is be prepared both physically and mentally.
The first thing is to mentally tell yourself that as the weather is nice and its the weekend, I probably will find the roads busy. Therefore you are more likely to to encounter traffic congestion, so can leave extra time for your journey.
Physically you can prepare for a longer journey by keeping some soft drinks and snacks in a cool bag in the car, so if you are in slow moving traffic you can always keep yourself topped up!
Preparing Your Car
Tyres - Properly inflated tyres (to the correct pressure) will help to save fuel.
Anti-Freeze - Yes anti-freeze!! Or to give it its correct title, "Coolant" because if you look at the container of anti freeze that you used last winter. It will also tell you its also a summer coolant. It helps transfer heat away from the engine.
So its just as vital in the summer to check your coolant levels, as it is in the middle of winter!
Over heating engines are one of the most frequent causes of breakdowns in traffic congestion.
Clear Windscreen - There are more flies and insects around in good weather and your windscreen needs to be kept clear. So check the windscreen washer reservoir frequently and keep it topped up. There are specific additives you can use to help keep the screen clear, from washing up liquid - To Halfords clear screen.
Driving in Sun Glare
One of the main problems when driving in sunny conditions is sun glare. This seriously reduces your ability to see ahead. Constant glare can be exhausting on a long journey and may well affect your concentration.
Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians as you drive and make sure you can stop quickly if you need to.
Sun glare can come from off the road itself or off another vehicle in front or sometimes even from the dashboard of your own car.
Sunglasses can now be purchased with a built in anti-glare lens. This helps reduce the strain on your eyes and helps filter out the glare.
Coping with heat
Air Conditioning - If you have air conditioning make sure you keep it fully gassed. Have it checked at a local firm. It really does stop you getting tired in the heat.
You can also use the air-con with the recirculating button of your air intake, so instead of constantly trying to cool warm air, it is merely keeping the existing air cool, so saving your air-con having to work so hard.
Pollen Filters - Most modern cars have pollen filters or air filters in them. If you suffer from dust or pollen allergies these filters can be used to keep the air in the car, clean from these things. Thus allowing you to breathe more easily.
But make sure these are reguarly inspected and cleaned to keep them working efficiently.
Road Surfaces
Finally remember in sustained heat conditions the tarmac on the road gets softer, thus making efficient grip harder. So take care when braking or cornering.
Also remember that in hot weather with traffic jams vehicle engines that leak oil, will leave this oil on the road surface and this is especially noticeable once there is a shower of rain after a long dry period.
So watch the speed and keep your distance.
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