Tips for Driving in Hot Weather Conditions: Staying Safe on the Roads This Summer
Summers in South Africa are known to be scorching hot. When temperatures reach extremely high points, motorists need to be aware of how their cars will react. Driving in hot weather conditions can cause changes in tire pressure, excessive use of engine fluids, and other problems.
This article will cover a few tips for driving in hot weather conditions that could help your car perform better. We’ll also cover the great rent-to-buy service at We Rent Cars, so that you can travel in your dream car this summer season!
Let’s jump into it.
1. Top Up Fluid Levels
High temperatures will evaporate the essential fluids needed to keep your engine lubricated faster than cold temperatures. Fluids like your engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and water all help keep your car’s engine running smoothly.
When fluids are low there is a high chance that your engine could overheat. When driving long-distances this summer, be sure to always check your fluid levels before hitting the road!
2. Check Tire Pressure
When it comes to tire pressure and temperatures, there is one simple scientific rule that applies: heat expands and cold contracts. Driving often during the summer, when the road tar is hot and the sun is beaming, can cause changes in your tire pressure.
The combination of the friction generated by hot asphalt, the hot air molecules, and the rubber that tires are made of can lead to a breaking point, if not properly maintained. Be sure to check your tire pressure more often than not when driving in the South African summertime.
3. Plan Your Route Wisely
The longer you drive in the heat, the higher the chances are that your car might overheat and your tires might wear down. It’s important to plan your routes carefully during the summer, so as to avoid unnecessarily long drives.
Not only will this keep your car performing more efficiently, but it will also keep you out of a hot car for unnecessarily long periods of time.
4. Avoid Hitting Max Speeds
The operating temperature of your car’s engine will increase the more strain you put on it. This means that when you drive at faster speeds, your car’s engine temperature will get hotter. This isn’t ideal when driving over long distances in consistent 40℃ heat.
5. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Air Conditioning System
This tip is more tailored to the needs of the driver, rather than the needs of the vehicle. Sitting inside a hot car for a long drive, like a South Africa summer road trip, for example, is extremely strenuous and could cause health problems.
You’re going to need a vehicle that has a proper, working air conditioning system, to protect you from an issue like heatstroke for example. We Rent Cars stocks only the best second hand cars, with working air conditioners, for your summer driving needs.
6. Keep Eye Protection on Hand
In South Africa, during the summertime, the sun only sets in the late evening, around 19:00 - 20:00. This means that even if you plan on driving throughout the day into the evening, you will most likely face some sort of sun glare.
For your own safety, and the safety of the drivers around you, it’s best to keep eye protection nearby.
7. Keep Water On Hand
If you’re going on a long distance trip this summer, it’s important that you keep your body and mind feeling fresh when on the road. Don’t allow yourself to become dehydrated during the scorching temperatures during summer. Keep water nearby at all times!
8. Clean Your Windscreen
The only thing worse than intense sun glare during the summer, is sun glare that pierces through a dirty windscreen. Most of the time when this happens, it’s almost impossible to see what’s on the road in front of you.
Be sure to give your windshield a clean before hitting the road.
9. Be Prepared for Breakdowns
Breakdowns are an inevitable part of driving. The summer weather in South Africa tends to be very harsh on the engine of a vehicle. You need to prepare the right tools and have all replacement parts on hand should you take a road trip this holiday season.
Or, you can have your breakdowns completely covered by the rent-to-buy subscription benefits offered at We Rent Cars!
10. Keep Your Car Cool When You’re Not Driving
Lastly, you need to maintain your vehicle, even when you’re not driving, during summer. Parking in direct sunlight can cause engine fluids to evaporate faster and cause your oil to reach high temperatures before you even start driving.
Try parking in cool garages, or in the shade, wherever possible.
We Rent Cars Has Your Dream Car Ready for Summer
By following the tips discussed above, driving during the South African holiday season will be a breeze. The summer can be rough, but at least now you know how to handle it.
These tips, however, mean nothing if you don’t have a car to drive! We Rent Cars is here to help you find the car of your dreams through our comprehensive rent-to-buy offer. Simply Apply, Drive, and Buy!
And remember, stay safe on the roads this summer!