Being stranded in the heat can be dangerous, so as the hot weather arrives, it's important to prepare your car (and yourself!) for higher temperatures.
Quick car checks to avoid a breakdown
We’ve put together some quick car checks to help you prevent a breakdown and make sure you're prepared for all kinds of road trips this summer.
1. Tyres
Let’s start with the most obvious. Make sure your tyres are pumped up.
If you’re going on holiday and you’ve got extra luggage and passengers in the car, you might need to put some extra air in your tyres.
You’ll find a chart in your car showing different tyre pressures for various scenarios. You can usually find this in your fuel filler cap, on the door sill or in the user manual.
One picture will have three people on it with a tyre pressure, and one will have more people plus bags. It’s best to inflate your tyres to the number displayed next to the second image as it’ll stop your tyres from overhearing, and it’ll improve your fuel economy.
Remember, look after your car’s tyres and they’ll look after you.
2. Battery
Battery trouble is a leading cause of car breakdowns. Extreme temperatures can affect the battery cell, making it more susceptible to overheating.
Your local garage will be able to test your battery, or you can buy a battery tester yourself. Car batteries typically last about five years, so it’s good to stay on top of it.
If you drive an EV, you may notice you can't drive as far on a single charge in the summer months. This is because while the battery is busy trying to keep cool, you've also got the air conditioning on to keep passengers cool. This all uses up battery power, meaning your range will be affected.
3. Coolant
In higher temperatures, it’s much more likely that your car will overheat, as there’s less moving air to cool down your car engine. So, before you set off, make sure your vehicle has enough coolant in the bottle.
4. Oil
When temperatures rise, oil can thin. If it gets too thin, your engine can fail because it makes it harder for the gloopy substance to lubricate heavy-duty mechanical components like the crankshaft and camshafts.
Check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick, giving it a wipe and putting it back in. When you pull it out again, the oil level needs to be between the minimum and maximum lines. Make sure you check the oil when the engine is cool to avoid burning yourself.
How does extreme heat affect electric vehicles?
If the battery in your EV gets too hot, it can degrade, meaning it won't charge as efficiently as it once did. Try to park in the shade wherever possible, to avoid overheating.
Don't charge your battery straight after driving. Let your car cool down before giving it a top up, preferably overnight. Plus, try not to over-charge your battery. If you leave your electric car plugged in for a long time, the battery can get hot, so limit to 80% if you can.
Drive in eco-mode to conserve energy and maximise your range.
Keep essentials in the car
1. Water
Having a breakdown kit in the car is always a good idea. At the very least, never set off without a bottle of water. If you're stranded by the roadside in the blistering heat, you'll be grateful for a drink. It could also be used to top up coolant in an emergency.
2. Phone charger
Why do we always run out of juice at the worst times? Keep a charger in the car so if you do break down, you can stay in contact with your recovery driver and let people know you’ve broken down.
3. Credit cards
It's important to have access to quick funds for unexpected repairs and hotel accommodation. Plus, if you're travelling abroad, you'll need to be able to pay for things by card, such as hire car deposits.
4. Documents
It’s always a good idea to have your logbook (V5C) for the vehicle, your Certificate of Motor Insurance and your driving licence.
5. Sunglasses
Summer sun can create glare on the roads, making it hard to see where you're going. Keep a spare pair of sunglasses in the car so you can protect your eyes from the dazzle. If you turn a corner and find yourself unable to see, slow down. Pull your visor down and drive with caution. Look out for drivers following you who'll also experience the sun's glare.
6. Spare shoes
Heading out for a day on the beach usually involves flip-flops, sliders or other light shoes. While these are great for hanging out on a sunny day, they're not so great for driving in. Get into the habit of throwing a pair of driving shoes in the boot and you'll always have something practical and comfortable to wear.
Carrying more than usual?
If you’re planning on taking bicycles, luggage or even pets with you on your trip, then it pays to prepare.
We’ve got helpful guides on how to choose the right type of bike rack, how to make sure your roof box will be suitable, and the safest way to travel with dogs.
Don't forget the driver
Before and during the journey, we recommend that the driver takes the following precautions, for their own safety and for the safety of their passengers.
- Make sure you get proper rest before driving. An early start after a good night's sleep is preferable to a late start after a day's work.
- Don't drink alcohol before or during the trip.
- Take regular breaks, at least every two hours.
- Stay calm, no matter what happens.
Like anything, preparation is key.
Plan as much as you can in advance, including making sure you have valid breakdown cover, and you'll be able to deal with most problems without too much trouble.
