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Safe driving on hot days – tips

Driving a car in the heat
Artur Owczarek
Artur Owczarek

Brand Product Manager Moje AutoHe has been involved in the automotive industry for years. He is passionate about cars and detailing. On his blog, he shares his knowledge and experience, offering tips on how to effectively care for your car and extend its life.

In summer, the sun's rays fall at a slightly different angle than in winter. The interior of a car heats up extremely quickly, often to unimaginable temperatures. Both of these factors make driving a car in the summer problematic. How to drive safely in hot weather? Find out how to take care of your safety.

  • Driving in the heat can be dangerous due to heat fatigue.
  • How to drive safely? Take care of the air conditioning, proper tire pressure, operating fluids, glasses and do not allow the car to heat up when parked.
  • Schedule breaks to regain concentration.
  • Check how to prepare your car for a long journey!

 

What are the dangers of driving a car in hot weather?

Driving in the heat

On hot days, the body behaves slightly differently. It can be very dangerous when driving a car. The potential effects of heat fatigue include:

  • tiredness,
  • loss of concentration,
  • higher level of aggression,
  • deterioration of general well-being,
  • overheating of the body,
  • problems with the circulatory system.

Moreover, in summer the traffic on the roads is often heavier and drivers forget about the dangers. They are relaxed due to holidays and good weather, which can contribute to an increased risk of accidents.

Check, how to save fuel on vacation!

Driving safety - air conditioning

Safe driving - white car

Air conditioning affects not only comfort, but also driving safety by car. How? Too high a temperature in the cabin may cause drowsiness and fatigue, and thus reduce concentration. In such conditions, the driver focuses mainly on his or her well-being and may not notice dangerous situations on the road.

Before the start of the summer season, check the technical condition of the air conditioning system and replace it fumigation of air conditioning. Make sure the system has sufficient refrigerant levels and the filters are clean. This will directly affect the efficiency of the air conditioning. Find out more, read how to check your car air conditioning before summer!

Driving a car in hot weather and operating fluids

Driving on hot days

On hot days, the load on the engine increases and it has to cool even more. This is why it is so important to check the engine oil and coolant levels more often. It is worth checking not only their quantity, but also their condition. If the fluids are already heavily contaminated, you will need to visit a workshop or replace them yourself.

Do you want to change the oil yourself? Check, what you need to know about changing engine oil!

Tire pressure and driving in hot weather

How to drive safely - black car

Another issue is tire pressure. There's nothing strange about it, because tire pressure also affects safety of driving in hot weather. High temperatures increase the volume of air and, as a result, may change the pressure by up to several tenths of a bar. When its value is inconsistent with the manufacturer's recommendations, the braking distance is longer and the tires wear out faster. How to check

How to drive safely? Remember about your glasses!

Driver with glasses

Heat in the car is not the only problem you have to deal with in the summer. On driving safety Glaring sun also has a negative impact. A driver blinded by the rays may not notice pedestrians or other road users, which is often the cause of accidents and collisions.

If you get behind the wheel on a very sunny day, remember to wear sunglasses. There are no provisions in Polish law that would prohibit the use of such accessories. However, keep in mind that driving glasses should, above all, be comfortable and have a high UV filter. Models from clothing chains are unlikely to work - it is better to buy them from an optician.

Remember! Some glasses colors may reduce contrast. When the glass is too dark, it significantly interferes with the natural colors. It is better to choose lighter shades that will slightly darken the light and eliminate the glare effect, but will allow for maintaining the appropriate contrast.

Other ways to beat the heat in the car

Driving a car in the heat - graphite car on the road

It is also worth knowing additional ways to deal with the heat in the car. Got a hot car? You can, for example, park your vehicle in the shade, use reflective foil on the windshield, use a sun visor or regularly air the interior of the car. Why is it so important? In a hot car, in extreme cases, the temperature can reach up to 60 degrees Celsius, which is very dangerous for the driver and passengers.

Remember to take breaks

Are you facing a long journey in the heat? Plan breaks to relax and rest a bit. Why is it so important? During a long journey, we become tired and distracted. For this reason, it is worth planning stops. During them, you will certainly regain strength and concentration. Where to stay? Wherever you like. It can be an ordinary parking lot, a park, or a gas station where you can use fuel promotions.

See what you can't forget about when going on holiday by car

When driving in the heat, it is worth remembering a few things to reach your destination safely. It is primarily about taking care of the technical condition of the car and planning breaks. It is definitely worth taking care of it, after all, it is about the safety not only of ourselves, but also of other road users.

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