Summer Driving Tips
Mar 19, 2020

Vehicles tend to cope rather well when the summer months come around.

However, if you are not prepared, the sweltering sun and humid conditions could cause a problem or two.

Allow Chelsea Truck Company to put your mind at ease and present some tips that will hopefully help drivers and their passengers stay safe, cool and comfortable this summer.

Preparation Is Key

It can be rather disconcerting when you have set off on a short break and you realise that you have forgotten to do a number of things.

To ensure you do not go through any sort of inconvenience, go through the list below, by doing so, it will hopefully save a lot of exasperation in the long run:

• Are the oil and coolant levels adequate? Have you checked the wiper blades for wear or splitting?

• Double check the windscreen washer fluid level, also ensure the washer jets are adjusted correctly

• A leaking cooling system or inoperative cooling fan could cause the vehicle to overheat and cause extensive damage to the engine, so ensure you check the cooling system.

• Ensure the exterior lights are working/comply with any legal requirements.

• Cast your eye over the condition of the tyres, (including the spare) for correct pressures and legal tread depth. The current minimum legal tread depth for cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3500 kg gvw') is 1.6mm.

• Make sure all the dashboard warning lights operate correctly. If not, consult the owner's handbook or call your local dealer.

• Examine the jack and wheel brace making sure they are in correct working order. If the locking wheel nuts are fitted, ensure the locking key is safe in your vehicle.

• Make sure you have a spare set of keys for your vehicle in a safe place.

• Never overload your vehicle or caravan beyond their designed capacity.

Time Is Of The Essence

Wherever you are driving towards, please make sure you leave well in advance, look out beforehand for any potential delays and should you encounter some sort of obstacle, you should have more of a chance to get yourself out of any potentially hazardous situations.

Bearing the above in mind, make sure you check off this list off before you set off:

• Plan ahead to avoid getting lost or getting stuck in traffic.

• Driving whilst tired is a recipe for disaster, so please make sure you get plenty of rest beforehand.

• Take regular breaks and stock up with plenty of water and refreshments.

• Take sun cream with you in case you break down, especially if you are driving abroad.

• If you have children with you, take plenty of games so that they are occupied.

• Take some medication with you, especially if you are hoping to drive abroad.

Stay Safe

To be on the safe side, we advise that you have a number of essentials with you in your car.

A few simple items can be the source of some much needed comfort, should you have to stop or encounter a sticky situation.

Some of the following items are of paramount importance, should you encounter any problems:

• A high quality torch. Preferably with long life and spare batteries

• A warning triangle

• A high visibility vest/jacket

• A fire extinguisher

• A spare fuel can

• A light bulb kit

• Additional engine oil and water (for topping up)

• A first aid kit

• An up to date road map or sat navigation system

• A mobile phone charger