Avoid car trouble during the heat
It’s summer and the sun may invite summer road trips, but for your car, heat is often a big enemy. Overheated engines and burst tyres are two common forms of car breakdowns in summer. What are the risks, how to avoid them and what does your insurance say?
Tips
Overheated engine
In hot weather, your engine overheats faster, especially in traffic jams or on long trips. Too low a coolant level or heavy load can be disastrous. So check your coolant in time (when the engine is cold!) and drive carefully.
If the engine does get too hot, turn on the heater and fan to dissipate the heat. Stop immediately if that doesn’t help and let the engine cool down slowly. Only open the bonnet after a few minutes to avoid burns caused by steam.
Damage caused by overheating is often not insured under an ordinary BA policy. Only a mini- or full-omnium can intervene – but beware: poor maintenance can still cause refusal.
Flat tyres
In summer heat, tyre pressure increases naturally. Too much or too little pressure increases the risk of a blowout, especially when driving fast. Do not rely solely on automatic sensors, but check your tyres manually. Also watch for wear or drying out, and preferably park in the shade.
A blowout can lead to sudden loss of control. React calmly: hold the steering wheel firmly and avoid abrupt braking. Light acceleration sometimes helps to stabilise the car.
Find more tips on proper tyre pressure in our earlier blog post!
Be prepared and avoid problems
Ensure regular coolant and tyre pressure checks, especially before leaving on holiday. If necessary, invest in nitrogen tyres or breakdown assistance with replacement vehicle. A little preparation for hot weather will keep you safe and worry-free on the road in summer too!
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