Protect Your Car On Long Drives This Summer

Protect Your Car On Long Drives This Summer

This summer will see millions of families hitting the road to enjoy a break over the holidays, which is why it is essential that drivers do what they can to protect their vehicles before, during and after these long trips. 

Here are some tips on how to keep your car in top condition if you’re planning on enjoying a staycation this summer.

Avoid too much heat exposure

A typical British summer can mean you have just as much chance of having non-stop downpours as you have being stuck in the car during sweltering heat waves, so it is best to be prepared for anything. 

If the mercury has soared while you are on your holiday, make sure you avoid overheating your engine. You can do this by regularly topping up coolant to reach the ‘full’ line, ensuring your air conditioning is working, and parking in the shade whenever you can.

It is also worth getting a windscreen shade, as this will help keep the temperature down in the vehicle, making it more comfortable for passengers on long trips.

An overheated car can ruin holiday plans, as the high temperature can cause damage to the engine. It can also be incredibly dangerous and potentially lead to a fire.

Vehicle check

If you are relying on your car a lot this summer, it could be worth having a maintenance check done to just make sure everything is working ok. 

Having a mechanic look over the vehicle and confirm all the parts are functioning correctly can help you avoid an electrical failure on the motorway or broken air conditioning during a scorching hot drive. 

It can also make your car safer to drive, ensuring your brake pads are working, the battery is ok, your engine is not likely to fail, and your gears are all in good condition. 

Tyre tread

Even if you don’t book your vehicle in at the mechanics, you should do your own vehicle checks, such as seeing whether your tyres have the minimum tread depth or if they need replacing. 

Remember, there is a greater risk of tyres puncturing in the summer as temperatures make them more prone to cracking. So make sure you look for any cracks or low tread depth. 

Check insurance

Before packing the car, look over your vehicle’s insurance policy. Check that it still suits your driving habits, lifestyle, circumstances, and location. 

Thefts, breakdowns and long drives are the most common cause for car insurance claims over the summer break, so it is important to check your insurance policy will protect you. 

You might want to take out car windscreen insurance cover to supplement your vehicle protection, as this gives you the reassurance that if anything happens to your windscreen, your insurance will cover the cost of replacing or repairing it.

There are so many reasons why windscreens can become damaged, from gravel or stones falling on the glass to being exposed to direct sunlight for too long. 

This is particularly a problem during the summer on long drives, while potholes, road debris, wiper blades scratching the glass, and unexpected temperature changes also increase the chances of cracks in the windscreen. 

Clean the car

Finally, although you might think it’s a redundant job cleaning the car before a long drive, when it is likely to get dirty again, it could make your journey much safer. 

It is especially important to clear and clean the windscreen, as the bright sunlight will show up every spec of dust, distracting drivers from keeping their eye on the road. Make sure the front and rear wipers are in good condition, so they properly remove dirt off the window and don’t leave smeary stains. 

By regularly washing the car, this will prevent the build-up of debris, helping you to have an unobstructed view out of the windscreen.