Summer has finally arrived, and motorists know what that means: long distance driving. Vehicles that have only been used on short hops for three seasons will be put through their paces on the main traffic arteries of the UK in the hottest weather conditions the UK can provide. It can be an exciting prospect, but things could go wrong if a car is not properly prepared.
Ian Davis-Knight, head of MOT Technical Operations for the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), explains: ‘After months of winter driving, when trips in the car are often short, long summer journeys can be hard for a car. If a vehicle has not been properly looked after, problems could arise.
‘Motorists will want to keep things cool inside the car too,’ continues Davis-Knight, ‘but the in-car cooling system may have been unused for several months. However, come summer it is likely to see a great deal of use, and may need to be checked to see if it is up to the job.’
Cooling
Hot weather can put extra strain on the engine and cooling system of any vehicle, and can lead to overheating
- many cars have air-conditioning which may require specialist attention if the system has been under-used during the preceding winter months
- the electrical system, especially the battery, must be able to take the full brunt of the fan system at full blast on its coolest setting
- make sure your system is fully charged with refrigerant and that any changes are done in line with the car manufacturer’s instructions
- if you have not had the cooling system ‘flushed,’ the cooling
tubes may be clogged with rust or other substances. The related hoses and
belts may need to be checked as well
Are you tyres tired?
Tyres can become neglected during the winter, and may need to be checked as the warmer weather approaches. During the winter months, wear and damage to tyres can go unnoticed. Drivers should always ensure that their tyres are safe and legal, and ready for possible higher mileage.
Davis-Knight said: ‘As the weather improves, motorists may drive more often, and this puts stress on tyres. Heavy use on damaged tyres could be dangerous.
The legal requirement for tyre tread depth is at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference. However, motorists may not have thought to check this during the winter months, and they may be driving with illegal tyres without realising.’
Here are some things to think about:
- long road trips with heavier-than-normal loads and very warm temperatures
can stress tyres
cracks could have appeared over the winter. These in turn can be aggravated by hitting a pot-hole or knocking the curb when parking. If cuts are made in the tyre wall, the tyre can be weakened, making it dangerous. This could necessitate a replacement tyre - make sure you have the recommended pressure in all your tyres including the one you should store in your boot for emergencies
- in the event that you need to use the spare, make sure that the pressure is set to the highest level used on your car, so that you can deflate the tyre to the required pressure. It is advisable to check this with a gauge as soon as possible
- it is vital not to over-inflate your tyres as this may cause the car to
handle and brake poorly, and increase wear
have wheel alignment and tracking checked at least once a year to try and ensure even tyre wear
Windscreens
Windscreens should be kept as clean as possible. Davis-Knight explains: ‘Empty
washer bottles, fly stains, low-level sunlight, and dust can all combine to
impair vision for the motorist. It is absolutely vital that windscreens and
mirrors are kept crystal clean at all times. The washer bottle should be checked
regularly, and a new set of wipers should mean better vision and less streaking
as well.’
Basic tips for a clean windscreen include:
- check front and rear blades for wear. If you do a great deal of driving, they may need replacing quite frequently
- blades should be cleaned regularly to remove ground-in dirt and insects
etc. This helps to prevent damage
streaky screens can be caused by the rubber losing its effectiveness. If this occurs the blades must be replaced - check the angle of the wiper arms - worn pins will spoil their action
- check washer bottle levels. Add screen wash and dilute according to instructions. Always keep spare fluid in the boot. Ensure that the washer spray holes are clear of blockages
- insects and grit can be easily removed with a sponge and warm water. For
more stubborn dirt, use a screen clean paste to tackle the job effectively
but do not use the same cleaning cloths that you have used for the car bodywork
on the windscreen - they may leave contaminants on its surface
’However, the windscreen is not the only part of the car that may need a clean,’ said Davis-Knight, ‘so an overall wash is an excellent idea.
‘Dried-on dirt may lodge in the underside of wheel arches, and should be removed to prevent corrosion and possible future expense. If paintwork is damaged by stones, give it a touch-up or have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent rust from forming and reducing your car’s value. ‘
Out and about
‘Many people do more motorway driving in the summer than at any other time,’ said Davis-Knight. ‘By following a few guidelines, those who are unused to motorway driving should be able to travel in safety:’
- ensure you get a good night’s sleep before a journey. If you can, avoid long journeys between midnight and 6am when your alertness is likely to be at a minimum. A heavy meal before driving is not advisable, as it may induce drowsiness
- a break every two hours is recommended, but if you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place such as a service area. Take a nap or drink some strong coffee
- remember that traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You have less time to react, so use your mirrors continuously, and look much further ahead
- heavy summer traffic can delay your journey, so make sure passengers have drinks and snacks to hand. Limit conversations, as taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can be highly dangerous.
- Keep children occupied with appropriate games, books etc
All abroad
Many motorists will be taking their cars overseas in the coming months, or hiring
a vehicle once they arrive at their holiday destination. General guidelines
can be obtained from organisations such as the RAC and the AA, but according
to Davis-Knight, there is still much that motorists can check themselves: ‘Basic
tips would include checking that any hired vehicle is roadworthy.’
When using your own car, carry a breakdown kit, in case of emergencies. This could include:
- jack
- spare wheel
- jump leads
- spare fuses
- torch
- first aid items
- warning triangle
‘Those motoring in some countries, including France will need to consider their headlights. Don’t forget when driving on the opposite side of the road you will need to ensure that headlights have been suitably adapted to redirect the light pattern.
‘You may also require spare bulbs to conform to local motoring regulations. Check before you go.’
Other tips for driving abroad include:
- take extra time to familiarise yourself with the routes you will be using
- observe normal road courtesies
- inform your insurance company if you intend to drive your own car abroad
Motorists who feel that they could use some professional help when preparing their car for the warmer weather should visit a good garage.
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