With the temperatures in Britain still touching the 30s, drivers heading off on a staycation now the school holidays are upon us have been warned about the affect extreme heat can have on their car.
According to a recent poll by Travelodge, 65 per cent of Brits are thinking of holidaying in the UK this summer and, as a result, Autoglass is highlighting the need for drivers to prepare their car for long journeys in Britain.
The company’s Matthew Mycock says: “If your windscreen is already damaged, the hot weather can make it worse and Autoglass has already seen a 10 per cent increase in windscreen replacements during the heat wave, as motorists take to their cars to enjoy the UK sunshine. However the excitement to pack-up-and-go on a road-trip may cause some motorists to forget to do important car checks.
“Simple steps to prepare the windscreen, fluid levels and wheels, can make all the difference to being safe on the road this summer. We all know how to protect ourselves from the sun by wearing sun cream and protective clothing, but we must also remember to keep the summer drive check-list front-of-mind to ensure a safe, comfortable and more enjoyable holiday drive.”
To help motorists beat the heat this summer, the company has developed a summer driving check-list to ensure that Brits are ready for any road-trip in hot weather. The tips are:
- Top-up water, check the oil level and make sure the coolant and distilled water system is at 50:50 to prevent your car from over-heating
- Clean your windscreen inside and out with spray wash (not water) and ensure wiper blades are free from dirt to protect the glass and prevent dust sticking so that you have clear sight of the road
- Use a sun shade for your windscreen when parked to keep down the inside temperature and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the hot sun while driving
- As you get in to your car, wind down the window to let in fresh air to level the temperature inside. Try to resist the urge to switch on the air conditioning straight away to prevent the bodywork and windscreen being shocked and potentially causing damage
- Check the tread depth of all the tyres and that the air pressure is firm to reduce the stress on the wheels and ensure your car tyres are safe for the road
- Drive within the speed limit and take extra care when approaching a rough road surface or pothole. This will reduce the chance of grit and loose road surfaces ricocheting off wheels and damaging your car and other vehicles.
