Advice For Driving In The Summer​

As summer arrives and temperatures rise, your car faces a greater risk of breakdowns if certain small checks are not addressed. Issues such as tyre blowouts, engine overheating, and battery failures can occur more frequently in the heat. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect your vehicle before hitting the road this summer.

In this guide, we offer some tips on what to check and what action you can take to help prevent breakdowns on your journey this summer.  ​

What To Check Before You Drive In The Summer 

Before you start driving, make sure you dedicate enough time to check your vehicle to ensure it is safe and prepared for the road. Whether it’s a 15-minute drive or a 2-hour trip on the motorway, these checks are essential. They help prevent accidents and breakdowns.  ​​

How To Check Your Tyres

Damaged tyres are a common reason drivers experience car trouble. During the summer, tyres are more likely to blow out in hot weather.

To check that your tyres are safe and legal, make sure the pressure is correct. Increase it slightly if you carry a heavier load. Please check your handbook for recommended and safe amounts.

Also check the condition of the tyre, whether there are any cracks, cuts, or bulges. If there are any stones embedded in the tread of the tyre, try to remove them to prevent any damage.

Finally, check the tread depth of your tyres to make sure they are at the legal minimum for the UK. At Snows, we can replace your tyres if they need replacing, or we also offer repair solutions. Book an appointment with the team, and we can get you back on the road quickly.

How To Check Tyre Depth

There are multiple methods to check your tyre’s depth. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.

You can check this by:

• The 20p test: Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves and check if the outer band of the coin is visible. If the outer band is visible, this means your tyre may be illegal and unsafe to drive. You will need to replace your tyre when it reaches this point for better grip in wet conditions.
• Built-in tread wear indicators: Most tyres have built-in wear indicators in the grooves. You can use them to tell if you need new tyres. Check for the small triangles/arrow icon stamped on the tyre’s sidewall. If the main tread has worn down and is level with the humps, replace the tyres at once. They are now illegal to drive.
• Tread Depth Gauge: A tread depth gauge provides an accurate measurement of your tyres. You can buy these in most automobile stores or supermarkets. Depending on the tread depth gauge you buy, you just need to push its probe into the tyre. Ensure it sits flat and firm in the tyre groove, so it can give a reading. After it processes the data, you will receive a measurement. Do this across the centre and the inner and outer edges to spot any uneven wear.

If you need a tyre repair or replacement, book an appointment with our expert technicians. They will give your car great care, so you can drive again soon.

Check Your Car Fluid Levels

Checking your car’s fluid levels is important to help it function correctly. The three essential fluids to check are engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid, all of which are vital for your car's proper functioning.

You can read how to check your car’s fluid levels by reading our blog.

Plan For Delays

As it’s summer, there may be more cars on the road when people travel for holidays or to see friends and family. Therefore, motorways or top hot spot towns may be busier than you expect.

Try to leave earlier than you normally do, or check your route, so you can avoid traffic jams or frustrations.

Prepare An Emergency Kit

If your trip has a breakdown or delay, it is best to carry an emergency kit for safety. An emergency kit can include:

⚫ A blanket

⚫​ Warm clothes

⚫​ Food

⚫​ Water

⚫ ​First Day Kit

⚫​ Portal phone charger

⚫​ Maps

⚫​ Torch

⚫​ Breakdown kit

Know Your Route In Advance  

The hot temperatures mean our phones will more likely overheat and stop working. Planning your route in advance and knowing which junction to take is helpful, so you can stay on track even if your phone overheats.

You can also invest in a backup sat nav or have a physical map, so you have options on the road.  

Don’t Drive Tired 

As always, you shouldn’t drive tired, especially in the heat. You are more likely to cause an accident when tired. Your attention span drops, and your reflexes slow a lot.

Make sure you take regular breaks, get good sleep, or plan to leave much earlier than usual. This helps you avoid getting tired in the evenings.  

Avoid Overheating 

Preventing your car from overheating is important to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.

Bring water and cold food with you, so you can stay hydrated throughout the journey.  

Use your air conditioning or open a window if there is a breeze to keep you at a comfortable temperature.  

Put a sun shield over the back windows to keep the heat out of the car. You can also use a windscreen shade when you have parked your car, and try to keep it in the shade.  

Be Extra Cautious Of Your Surroundings 

Be extra careful of pedestrians and cyclists on the roads. Ensure you are checking your blind spots and looking around you. Remove all distractions to stay safe while driving.

Hayfever 

If you suffer from hay fever in the summer, make sure you are looking after yourself so it isn’t a distraction. Sneezing, tired eyes, and flu-like feelings can be hazards while driving. If you feel unwell and medicine is not helping, talk to your doctor before driving. Ask for advice.  

Do not drive if your medication causes drowsiness, as you can cause an accident.  

Summer Health Check

At Snows, our brands offer summer health checks. You can relax, knowing your car works well and is safe.

These checks can include your brakes, tyres, fluid levels, battery, wiper blades and more.

Book a summer health check with Snows for an expert check on your car’s health. If there are any problems, our team will discuss the work needed. This will keep your car running well in the long term and safe on the road.