Why Summer Holidays Are A Risky Time For Windscreens

Why Summer Holidays Are A Risky Time For Windscreens

Summer may not seem like a particularly likely time for your car to suffer damage, whether to the windscreen or anywhere else, but there are risks that many people don’t think about much.

True, you won’t be dealing with black ice, lumpy bits of freshly laid grit that can fly up and hit the screen, while potholes are usually worse in winter (assuming your local council does get around to repairing them).

However, different threats come in summer, especially on your holidays, which means you could be very glad you took out windscreen insurance cover.

For example, the AA lists punctures as a bigger problem in summer due to the increased pressure. A burst tyre when driving could lead to a crash, causing more damage, not least to the windscreen.

Dazzle from glare and overheating on sizzling days are risks posed when the weather is hot, while heavy traffic poses more chances of a collision, something that will be more likely if you head off on holiday or come home at the same time as many others, such as over a bank holiday weekend.

Another risk factor to take into account if you are off driving on holiday is the distance you may travel, while if you are travelling by road to or around somewhere you are unfamiliar with, the fact you don’t know the roads means hazards local people are familiar with may take you by surprise.

The Met Office advises that people should keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly. As well as the sunshine and heat risks mentioned above, there can also be very wet days.

In the course of a normal day, you may be able to change your plans and not be driving in dangerously wet conditions, but if you have a booking and need to be somewhere, you may feel compelled to make the journey.

None of this means driving on your summer holidays is a lottery, but it is certainly not without its risks, which is why it is important your windscreen is covered against damage.