Safety tips for driving on an extremely hot day
The summer season has its share of hazards to be aware of when you are driving. Here are some tips to follow to keep safe.
Many of us are aware of practising safe driving in wet, foggy, or icy conditions when there is poor visibility. However, clear summer days can also be hazardous.
Not only are the roads busier during summer holiday times, tyre blowouts, window glare, overheating, and sudden changes in weather conditions can be dangerous. Here’s what you can do to be prepared for driving when the weather is hot.
Don’t forget to shade your eyes. Wearing sunglasses is more important than you may think. Sunglasses can protect your eyes and help shield you from the glare of the sun, impairing vision which could lead to an accident.
Clean your windscreen of dirt and smudges and clear away any blemishes, cracks, scratches, and dents. On a hot, sunny day, these can cause glare and shadows that can distract the driver and cause a loss of focus.
Extreme heat can perish windscreen wipers. Make sure you regularly test these so they can work efficiently in wet weather.
Make sure you have an emergency repair tool kit, and it is up to date. This should include duct tape, a screwdriver, flares, pliers, and spanners. Be sure you know how to use your vehicle’s jack and spare tyre.
An emergency first aid kit is highly recommended. You can buy these pre-made or make one up yourself. Accidents can happen and having a first aid kit is valuable if you or someone else needs basic medical attention.
Extremely hot weather can take a toll on batteries. Battery fluid could evaporate in heat and a combination of heat and vibration could cause battery failure.
Look for corrosion on the battery or a power drain in the lights, ignition, and air conditioning. Have your battery checked and tested regularly during summer.
Occasionally, a hot day can result in a tyre blowout as excessive heat can cause tyre pressure to temporarily increase. For every 10 degrees of increased temperature, your tyres can expect to increase by 1-2 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure.
The recommended tyre pressure range for Australian vehicles is typically between 30 and 35 PSI.
The bottom line is low tyre pressure in combination with hot temperatures can be the perfect recipe for tyre damage.
Your own health is just as important as your car’s health. Always have fresh, cool water when you drive on a hot day and stay hydrated. As a rule of thumb, water and snacks are always a good idea to have with you, in case your car has a breakdown.
Several fluids work in unison to help the car stay cool. The levels of these fluids need to be regularly checked and maintained to prevent overheating – even more so during the summer season as extreme heat can evaporate the fluids.
Check the engine oil as well as the transmission and brake fluids and the power steering fluid. When driving, keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If it rises, this may indicate overheating. If this is the case, you will need to turn your motor off immediately.
Be aware of potholes and other road damage that has remained unrepaired after the winter months. Hot days after rain can also increase damage to roads.
Plan your journey on familiar roads, when possible, and always drive carefully. Be mindful that road construction is also more common in warmer months.
Driving on hot days means the car’s air conditioning is most likely being used all the time and at full capacity. This tends to lower the car’s fuel economy. Be extra mindful of the fuel gauge in your car. Also, be sure to check the air conditioning system is functioning correctly.
Driving in hot weather can make a difference to how you approach car safety. It’s important to be aware of temperature soars and as well as following these guidelines, practice good common sense such as slowing down when the sun is glary, parking in shady spots, and even being mindful of other passengers in your car such as pets and children.
Maintaining regular car safety checks and services will help make your next drive in the heat a much safer one.
National Seniors Australia members receive 10% off Roadside Assistance.
When you experience car trouble, be prepared and know you will be assisted with National Seniors Australia Roadside Assistance.
Roadside Assistance includes 24/7 call centre and emergency support, as well as callouts, emergency fuel, batteries, and help with lost or locked keys. With National Seniors Australia Roadside Assistance, you’ll know that if your car breaks down, we can assist you.
