Summer Driving Tips – Keep Cool and Hydrated

It’s summer and we are experiencing several heat waves that bring us very high temperatures. This represents a fairly high risk when we get behind the wheel. But we can take several precautions when starting the trip or simply when we have to drive at times when the heat is pressing, and it is difficult to maintain a pleasant temperature inside the car.

When you get into your car when it’s so hot, you need to reduce the temperature inside. So, it’s a good idea to leave the door open for a few minutes to let the warm air out. It’s a good idea to roll down the windows to allow a draft and renew the air inside. In just a few seconds, the temperature will drop considerably.

It is not a good idea to leave the vehicle unattended though.

When you are ready to set off, before turning on the air conditioning, it is best to keep the windows down and drive for a few minutes. This way, the air flow will allow the temperature to drop a little more. After driving for a few minutes, you can close the windows and turn on the air conditioning or climate control. This will allow the temperature inside the car to be slightly lower, making driving more pleasant and avoiding the heat from outside.

The temperature at which you set your air conditioning is a very personal matter. However, it is still advisable to set it to a temperature no lower than 22 degrees. This will make driving cooler, but there will not be a huge difference to the outside temperature.

You too need to stay well hydrated. There is a risk when actually driving that the act of drinking can distract you, and so it can result in a fine. If it is safe, and perhaps a passenger can help you open the bottle, an occasional sip should not pose a problem. However, you should pay attention to this issue and plan your road trip by scheduling the appropriate stops so you can eat and drink safely.

Clothing is important, so you should dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear.

When parking, you should look for a place with shade. As shade varies throughout the day, you should bear in mind that you may be in the shade in the morning and in the sun for several hours in the afternoon. A sunshade in the front can make the temperature rise a little less than if you let the sun shine directly on you. If you can put a second sunshade in the back, it will help reduce the effect of the sun on the passenger compartment.