Summer Driving Tips
Scorching temperatures and congested holiday routes can make summer driving extra dangerous. Follow these four driving tips to keep yourself, your passengers and your vehicle safe this summer.
Punctures - High temperatures can aggravate existing damage on your vehicle’s tyres. Before departing, be sure that you have done the following:
- Check the tyres for cracks or punctures. If you find any damage, take your vehicle to a garage to have the tyre replaced.
- Check the tyre pressure, and, if necessary, adjust it to accommodate any extra weight in your vehicle.
Fatigue – If you plan to drive for more than three hours, avoid fatigue by doing the following:
- Take at least a 20-minute break every two hours to stretch, or take a short nap or drink a strong cup of coffee.
- Avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol before starting your trip, as both can contribute to drowsiness or impaired focus and judgement.
Visibility – To ensure good visibility while you are driving, do the following:
- Regularly clean the windscreen, inside and out, to remove smudges or smears.
- Check the condition of your wiper blades, and replace them if they are worn or damaged.
Fuel – For many, fuel is a major expense. To save money on fuel, do the following:
- During long stretches on the motorway, use cruise control.
- Turn on the air conditioning rather than rolling down the windows.