When you drive in summer, your car faces a unique set of challenges in comparison to winter. Heatwaves, increased traffic, and long-distance holiday travel can all impact how your car performs. This guide will walk you through essential summer driving tips to stay safe on the road and explore what sort of things can happen in hot weather if you and your car aren’t prepared.
General summer driving tips
Preparing your car for hot weather is just as important as packing suncream for yourself. Here are a few practical ways to protect your car from the effects of heat whilst ensuring a safe and smooth ride.
Sharing the roads and knowing your route
Summer holidays naturally means more cars on the road. This congestion causes more stop-and-go traffic and prolonged idling, which puts stress on your cooling system and increases the risk of overheating. Plan your journey ahead of time and consider alternative routes to avoid any traffic jams. Keep your A/C running efficiently and monitor your engine temperature whilst on the road; driving in hot weather without a plan can quickly lead to problems.
Check your tyres
Hot weather raises road surface temperatures, which in turn increases tyre pressure and overinflation. Overinflated or worn tyres are more susceptible to blowouts. Check your tyres for visible wear and keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Regular checks of your tyres are always an essential, but are especially crucial when you drive in summer, particularly before long trips.
Check your cooling system
As you might expect, one of the first things affected in hot weather cars is the cooling system. One thing you can do to keep your car running smoothly is ensuring your coolant levels are topped up and that hoses and the radiator are in good shape. Added stress on the cooling system during summer can lead to a sudden coolant leak. Combined with heavy traffic, this can quickly turn into an overheating emergency. Be prepared with a bottle of K-Seal on hand to seal leaks fast and get you back on the road safely.
Keep a clear windscreen
Summer sun and dusty roads can obscure your vision. A clean windscreen, fresh wipers, and topped-up washer fluid are essential for safe summer driving. Visibility is key when navigating unfamiliar holiday routes or busy highways.
Top up your fluids
All fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, oil, and screenwash, are vital for keeping your car running efficiently in hot conditions. Low or dirty fluids can reduce performance and increase the risk of breakdowns. Making sure you carry additional supplies with you on any long journeys is essential to minimising risk.
Don’t drive tired this holiday season
Fatigue is more likely in summer due to long daylight hours and extended journeys. Tired driving is dangerous, so take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and never push through exhaustion. It’s one of the most overlooked summer driving tips, but one of the most important.
Don’t leave kids or pets in the car
Cars and heat don’t mix well, especially for children and pets. Temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to life-threatening levels in minutes, even with windows cracked. Never leave anyone behind in a parked car during summer.
How hot weather affects your car
Now that you’re equipped with a few general tips for driving in summer, it would also be useful to understand more about what parts of your car will be affected in hot weather and warning signs to look out for. Below are the five common symptoms to spot your vehicle is struggling with high temperatures.
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Dripping water or leaking fluid
It’s normal to see water dripping under your car, usually from A/C condensation. But coloured puddles, like green, pink, orange, blue or yellow, can indicate a coolant leak, which can be a serious issue. If your coolant is leaking, K-Seal is a fast, effective solution to seal it and prevent cars from overheating in hot weather.
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Smoke or heat from air vents
Hot air when the A/C is on or smoke from vents could indicate that there’s a problem with your cooling system or HVAC unit. Stop and investigate when it’s safe to do so. Ignoring it could lead to engine failure and costly repairs.
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Loud engine noises
Strange engine noises may point to heat-related issues like worn belts or strained components. Don’t ignore odd sounds and stop when it’s safe to do so, especially during a drive in summer when engine strain is at its peak.
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Car feels sluggish
Hot roads and overheated engines reduce your car’s efficiency. If your car feels slow to respond or harder to handle, it could be struggling to cope with the heat. When you can, pull over to let the engine cool, check coolant levels and temperature gauge. If you identify an issue like a coolant leak impacting performance, try K-Seal or have it checked by a mechanic if the issue persists.
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Battery, clutch, or alternator Issues
Summer heat accelerates battery corrosion, strains clutches during stop-start traffic, and overworks your alternator. If you notice weak starts or electrical issues, get your system checked by a professional early to avoid extensive damage and repairs.
How to prevent breakdowns in summer
Breakdowns are common in hot weather, but they’re also avoidable with our top tips and a little proactive care.
Check your fluids regularly
Low or dirty fluids, especially coolant, engine oil, and brake fluid, can quickly lead to overheating or system failure. Make it a habit to check and top them up before long drives. Also, as a general tip, don’t forget to keep a supply of water for yourself when going on longer trips!
Inspect your battery
Heat can shorten battery life by accelerating internal corrosion. If your battery is over three years old or showing signs of weakness (slow starts, dim lights), consider replacing it before the heatwave hits.
Monitor your tyres
As mentioned, hot pavement increases tyre pressure, raising the risk of blowouts. Check your tyre pressure and tread regularly, and don’t forget the spare.
Service your cooling system
Make sure your radiator, hoses, fan, and thermostat are in top condition. If you spot any small leaks or suspect a crack, using K-Seal can help seal the issue quickly and keep you from getting stranded.
Keep K-Seal in your glovebox
A coolant leak can ruin any summer road trip. Having K-Seal with you means you’re ready to seal leaks on the spot and avoid overheating. It’s a smart, compact solution, especially when driving in hot weather or driving somewhere remote.
Pack an emergency kit
As well as water and items for your vehicle, snacks, a torch, phone charger, and basic tools can make a big difference if you do experience car trouble. Include a warning triangle and high-vis vest to stay safe whilst waiting for assistance.
FAQs about driving in hot weather
Can cars overheat in hot weather?
Yes. Overheating is one of the most common issues drivers face in the summer, especially if coolant levels are low or the radiator is compromised. Learn the signs early and act fast.
What are the signs of overheating whilst driving?
Look out for:
- A rising engine temperature gauge
- Steam from the bonnet
- Sweet smells (a sign of leaking coolant)
- Warning lights on the dash
Stop the vehicle and let it cool if you notice any of these.
What key things should I check before driving in summer?
- Coolant level and hoses
- Tyre pressure and tread
- Battery condition
- Fluid levels (brake, oil, washer)
- Windscreen cleanliness
- Keep K-Seal handy for emergencies
By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared for every summer drive, and better protected against the risks that come with cars and heat. Keep your cool, and let K-Seal be your roadside ally all season long.