Summer driving tips with Ecoura

Summer is the perfect time for road trips, weekend getaways and outdoor adventures. But before you hit the road, it’s important to ensure that you and your vehicle are ready to handle the heat. Here are some essential summer driving tips to keep you safe and comfortable during your travels, wherever you may be heading.

Before you travel…

It’s always wise to check that your vehicle is fit for the journey ahead before taking to the road to avoid any preventable breakdowns that will leave you baking in the heat. This includes everything from thoroughly inspecting your tyres to topping up your vehicle’s fluids and checking your lights are in working order. You can find details on how to do some of these essential vehicle maintenance checks on our blog.

Make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand for your journey and at your final destination, and if hot weather is forecast, pack accordingly and take essential summer items including plenty of drinking water, non-perishable snacks, sunglasses, hats and sun cream. 

1. Keep cool while driving

Higher temperatures can make driving much more uncomfortable, especially if your vehicle is older and doesn’t have air conditioning fitted, whilst driving on motorways or dual carriageways with the windows fully down can be a bit of a distraction. Where possible, try to park your vehicle in shaded areas out of direct sunlight, also use a windscreen sunshade and close the roof screen to keep the inside of your vehicle cooler whilst parked up. 

Additionally, keep yourself hydrated and take bottled water with you on your journey, making sure there is enough for any passengers as well. For families, make sure any children and pets are protected from the heat and direct sunlight coming into the car by adding sun shades to the rear windows, which will still allow the windows to be opened to let a gentle breeze in. 

2. Be mindful of allergies 

Extra pollen in the air throughout spring and summer can exacerbate any hay fever or pollen allergies and could impact your driving capabilities. Be sure to bring any non-drowsy medication or over-the-counter treatments with you on your journey to keep symptoms at bay. Try to avoid opening windows where possible to minimise the exposure to pollen on your journey and use your vehicle’s climate control to circulate the air inside the cabin. Regularly cleaning your vehicle’s pollen filters and wiping surfaces with a damp cloth will also help to remove any pollen and dust particles from the cabin.

3. Maintain clear visibility

A dirty windscreen covered in dust, insects and debris can obscure your vision, especially in bright sunlight. Regularly top up the washer fluid and ensure your windscreen wipers are in good working condition. ​​Use the sun visor to block intense rays and keep a pair of sunglasses in the car to reduce glare and eye strain in sunny weather.

4. Take regular breaks

Longer drives in hot weather can be draining, so take regular breaks to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and stay hydrated. It’s recommended to take a break roughly every couple of hours, so it would be helpful to pinpoint some service stations along your route to plan out your stops in advance and to swap drivers, if necessary. 

5. Stay alert for extra hazards

Driving through the warmer summer months often means there are plenty of extra hazards on the road – not only through additional vehicles on the road, but also more pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and tractors too. Stay alert to hazards and reduce your speed in crowded areas so you can react quickly to changing circumstances. Pay particular attention in tourist hotspots where there may be pedestrians or other vulnerable road users on the road, such as in the countryside or near the coast. 

6. Avoid peak travel times

Summer roads can get congested very quickly, especially during the weekends, bank holidays and summer holiday periods. Plan your trips to avoid peak travel times whenever possible; early morning or late evening drives are usually best for a relatively traffic-free and more comfortable journey.  

7. Check your tyres

Hot weather can worsen any existing tyre problems, so before setting off, inspect your tyres for any signs of damage and wear and ensure your tyres are correctly inflated as per the vehicle’s handbook. And if you are considering a tyre replacement before your next summer road trip, look at Davanti’s new Ecoura tyre. Ecoura is a high-performance passenger car tyre optimised for superior ride comfort, reduced noise and greater performance efficiency to deliver an unrivalled driving experience on your next summer road trip.

By following these summer driving tips, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey. Stay cool, stay alert, and stay prepared for whatever the road may bring.

For more advice about your tyres or Davanti, reach out to us at our contact us page, or find your local tyre expert by using our dealer locator.