Car safety tips for summer driving

When the weather heats up, keep cool behind the wheel with these driving tips for summer road safety.

Hot weather can cause problems for drivers. Here’s what to look out for so you can take a stand for safer summer driving.

Overheating car

High temperatures and intense sunshine can cause your vehicle to overheat, so check the water levels and coolant are topped up in your radiator.

Overheating people

Heat can make drivers and passengers irritable or drowsy so keep a supply of drinks in a coolbag in the car.

Traffic jams

Sun + weekends can cause huge traffic jams near popular coastal or countryside destinations. Get a passenger to check real-time UK traffic news to avoid queues.

Park and boil

Think before you park. Parking in strong sunshine will mean returning to an oven. Try to find a shady spot.

Frazzled pets

Letting pets overheat in your car is cruel and illegal. Keep the car well ventilated, don’t leave pets unattended, and ensure regular water and exercise breaks on long journeys.

Beware flooding

Adverse weather conditions, such as flash floods, are not uncommon in British summers. Be prepared by checking windscreen wipers, pack some waterproofs and don’t risk driving down a road or path that is starting to flood.

Tyre pressure changes

Air expands when it gets hot and this can happen to your tyres, too. Check tyre pressure and inflate when tyres are cold so that it is correct.

Driving to Europe

Taking the car holiday this summer? Direct Line also has tips and advice on driving abroad. But don’t forget to take out appropriate car insurance and European breakdown cover.

Related information

Safe summer driving
Taking pets in the car
Driving outside Europe