The Sunday Mail
Start with a cool car
GIVE yourself the best chance of a relaxing drive by parking in the shade or using sunshades on hot days.
Allowing a few extra minutes to open doors and windows to circulate warm air, or running your air-con, will help cool your car down and avoid immediate discomfort from the heat before setting off.
The latest in-car tech even allows you to pre-set your perfect temperature before setting foot inside.
Top up your fluids
Car engines get extremely hot in warm weather, especially in standstill traffic, so ensure your coolant is always topped up. For cars without stop-start technology, it is a good idea to turn off your engine during traffic. Contrary to popular belief, restarting your engine will not burn more fuel than if you had sat with your engine in “idle”.
Keep hydrated
It is extremely important to keep hydrated when stuck in a long traffic jam under the searing sun. Take plenty of cold water with you before heading out on longer journeys — enough for you and all of your passengers. Investing in insulated bottles for the kids is a great way to keep a source of cold water in the car, particularly after a long day of adventure.
Never leave your kids or pets
Never leave kids or pets in a hot car unattended. Cars heat up very quickly, even if it does not seem that hot outside; even with a window rolled down. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s, so they are more likely to suffer a deadly heatstroke.
Avoid sun glare
Impaired vision from the sun is a common cause of accidents during the summer. Replace worn windscreen wipers to help keep your windscreen clean, and use sunglasses and overhead sun visors to help block out the sun from your eyes. Windscreens also get very dirty in dry weather and marks can amplify sun glare. Plenty of windscreen washer fluid will help you maintain a clear view in the sun.
Maintain tyre condition
Tyre blowouts are a more common occurrence in hotter weather. Tyres with existing damage that are under-inflated will become even more aggravated in higher temperatures, which increases the likelihood of blowouts and punctures. Before setting off, it is extremely important to check if your tyre pressure is at the optimum level, as well as anything you may be towing.
Prepare for the inevitable rain
Be prepared to adapt your driving style in the event of any sharp changes in weather, as driving through heavy summer storms comes with a totally different set of challenges.
General steps
Get your car serviced before hitting the road. You should check your battery, tyres, headlights, cooling system, air conditioning and fluid levels before any trip. If everything is in good condition and working well, then your car will not break down. Also, stock your vehicle with essential items you would need if your car brakes down, or during any kind of emergency. Your emergency roadside kit should include a cellphone and charger, first aid kit, flashlight, tyre pressure gauge, jack, jumper cables, flares and a white flag, basic repair tools, duct tape, maps, extra windshield wiper fluid, emergency blankets, towels and coats, non-perishable food, and water.
Don’t leave food, drinks, canned items or anything that can melt inside your car
Food and drinks can spoil and stink up your car, cans can explode and things that melt may be hard or impossible to clean up. — Wires.
