Things to remember when hitting the road in the summer

There are a number of things that should be on your radar when you think about hitting the road this summer. Whether you’re a new driver who has only just finished learning to drive or are more experienced behind the wheel, it’s a good idea to brush up on what you need to look out for when driving in this warmer season.

As the weather heats up, the temptation to pack up and go on a long road trip is at an all time high. But before you get your picnic basket ready, there’s a few things you should check and secure before your first summer adventure. Read on to find out more.

1. Assess your breaks

This should be the standard practice before you set off on any long drive. A tell-tale sign that your breaks might need some special attention is if they start making any kind of squeaky sounds or feel spongey when you put pressure on the peddle. If you have any doubts about the health of your breaks, then it’s a good idea to book your car in for an inspection, even if it’s just for your peace of mind.

2. Check your tyres

Having your tyre’s grip intact is a crucial part of remaining safe on the roads this summer. Whilst you should be checking your tyres all year round, it’s especially essential to make these checks before setting out on a long trip. If your tyres are looking bald then you will need to replace them before you embark on your summer driving adventure.

You also need to make sure your tyres are at an appropriate air pressure – you’ll be able to find out what this is in your car’s manual. If you no longer have the handbook, you should also be able to find the recommended tyre pressure on the sticker in your car door jamb.

3. Check your fluids

Think of the fluids in your car as their version of blood – if the levels are low, then you’re going to have problems. Make sure to check both the coolant and oil levels, and refill if either of them are low. If you’ve topped them up recently and they’re already getting low, this may be a sign that you have a leak, which will need to be fixed before you embark on your drive.

4. Check your lights

Whilst you may well be beginning your trip in perfect sunshine, the likelihood is that you’ll be coming back home as it starts to get dark. Even if this isn’t on your agenda, you never really know where the day might take you, so it’s best to be prepared. Make sure that all your lights are working and none of your bulbs are blown or dimming. If the lights are beginning to dim, then this could be a sign that there’s an issue with your battery, which you’ll want to get checked before you begin your adventure. Similarly, if your bulbs are blown, it’s wise to replace them before you get behind the wheel.