Summer Driving Essential Checklist

School’s out for summer, and with millions of predicted getaways over the coming weeks, the roads are set to be busier than ever. But did you know the summer heat can be just as hard on your vehicle as the cold in winter? Don’t let an accident or breakdown ruin your holiday plans. A few simple checks and precautions can make all the difference between a stress-free journey and a complete travel disaster.

Keep you and your passengers safe and avoid unnecessary delays or expensive repairs by following our essential summer driving checklist:

• Vehicle Health Check – Give your vehicle a once-over before you set-off. Check tyre pressure and tread depth, oil levels, coolant, windscreen for cracks, screen wash levels, and that all your lights are working to reduce your risk of accidents and breakdowns. Remember, heat accelerates tyre degradation, making tyre care even more crucial.

• Beat the Glare – The glare from the sun can be blinding so make sure you have sunglasses packed that are suitable and not too dark for driving safely.

• Share the Road – As well as millions of extra vehicles on the road, the hotter weather encourages more cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists out. Take extra care on the sharp bends when you can’t see around the corner, and always give them plenty of space.

• Keep Your Cool – The summer heat can put a strain on your vehicle’s engine, and overheating can lead to serious problems. So keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge – if it starts to climb, find a safe place to pull over and let your car cool down. To help prevent overheating, top up essential fluids like coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, oil, and windscreen wash.

• Electric Vehicle Care – For EV drivers, summer can bring its own challenges. Try to pre-condition your vehicle to optimal temperatures before driving and charging. Monitor battery performance closely as high temperatures can impact range – it’s best to plan your charging breaks ahead of your journey to make room for potential wait times, especially during peak holiday periods.

• Caravan Check – After being stored away for winter, it’s easy for things to deteriorate. Give it a thorough check-over to make sure it’s safe and roadworthy before towing.

• Be Prepared – Pack an emergency kit in your car, including a first aid kit, water, a spare tyre, a high vis, a portable phone charger, jump leads, and your insurance documents – just in case.

• Passenger Safety – Heatstroke is a serious risk, especially for children and pets. Never leave anyone unattended in a parked car, even with the windows slightly open. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly and can be really dangerous.

A little preparation goes a long way. Enjoy the summer sun and safe travels!

Holman’s expert team are here to prepare your fleet for all seasons. Contact us today to learn more about our fleet management solutions help to keep your drivers safe on the road.