Now the Summer holidays are well and truly upon us, which means our already congested roads and motorways have been and will be even busier as families travel to the seaside and other British tourist destinations to enjoy the warmer weather. Here at Supervan Ltd, we have seen a sharp increase in car rentals as families from abroad venture out of the cities to explore the UK’s beautiful countryside and coasts.
However, the higher temperatures, heavy traffic and long journeys can place extra – and sometimes unwanted – demands on both drivers and their vehicles. Just as you should be prepared during potentially treacherous conditions the winter can bring, summer has its own risks, so it is important that you plan and prepare to reduce the risk of an accident or breakdown.
Check your tyres
High temperatures mean hot roads. And hot roads can aggravate any existing damage to your tyre’s rubber. Make sure you check your tyre pressure and their condition, as under-inflation can actually increase heat and cause friction, potentially leading to punctures and blow-outs. And remember that if you are taking your caravan or trailer tent on holiday with you, that they also have tyres that could cause problems if left unchecked.
Check your cooling system
It’s not just tyres that can be adversely affected by the hot weather; your cooling system can also be put under pressure when exposed to high temperatures. Check your vehicle’s coolant reservoir and keep an eye out for wet or white staining on coolant hoses as this can be a sign that your hose is leaking.
A good way to ensure that your cooling fan is working as it should is to allow your vehicle’s engine to idle for five to ten minutes. The cooling fan should automatically cut in – if it doesn’t, it is recommended that you take it to a professional to check that everything is in working order.
Check your fluid
During hot weather, we need water to stay alert, active and prevent dehydration. Your vehicle is exactly the same – without the necessary fluids, it can’t get you from A to B and the last thing you want is to breakdown in the middle of nowhere in 30°C temperatures.
Before going on any trip, you should make sure that your car or van’s fluids are topped up, including fuel, engine oil, windscreen wash and engine coolant.
And of course, if you are going on a long journey, the key is to water and feed yourself and your passengers to minimise the risk of tiredness. It is recommended that you schedule in a fifteen minute break every two hours; why not plan to stop somewhere for a picnic in the sun?
Air conditioning
The recent heatwave has resulted in our vehicles’ air conditioning to be tested like never before. If you are planning on renting a car or van, you can be sure of a comfortable, cool journey with Supervan Ltd – every single one of our vehicles come with air conditioning!
However, air conditioning can come with a price – namely to your pocket. To save on fuel, it is recommended that you turn the air conditioning off once the inside of your car is at a comfortable temperature. In addition, open windows cause extra drag, so it is always worth using the air vents when travelling on motorways. And of course, there is no point in having your air conditioning on if your windows or doors are open.
Avoid the glare
Sunshine is a welcome sight to most of us, but harsh sun glare can cause accidents. Ensure that you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle and clean your windscreen on a regular basis to remove those smears that can catch the glare and impair your vision whilst driving.
When renting a car or van from Supervan Ltd, you can be assured that your chosen vehicle has been thoroughly cleaned, checked and maintained. However, if you are planning a long journey or hiring a vehicle on a long-term basis, it is vital that you prepare both yourself and your vehicle for those summer drives. By following these simple tips, you will enjoy a much safer, more enjoyable trip.
