Top tips to keep motorists cool (From Echo)

Top tips to keep motorists cool

2:32pm Monday 8th June 2009 in Cars

With the Met Office predicting the hottest summer for three years and the economic climate forcing more Britons to holiday in the UK, AA Warranty has ten top tips to keep your vehicle safe in the sun.

According to figures published by the national tourism board Visit Britain, one in five Britons who travelled abroad last year will remain at home this summer, which could find an extra five million people holidaying in UK destinations.

Simon Tennyson, managing director of AA Warranty, said: “The news thousands more people will be holidaying in the UK is great for the economy but will really add to the congestion on our roads, with even more people expected to break down as a result.

“With this in mind, we have compiled a list of ten top tips to make sure your vehicle is in good condition to fare the summer weather and keep your holiday motoring along!”

1. Beat the rush – sitting in traffic jams can cause cars to overheat, especially in the summer, and uses lots of fuel. Plan a route and try to set off early in the morning when it is cooler and the roads are quieter.

2. Time for a break – driving tired is as dangerous as drink-driving with 300 lives taken as a result each year.

Take plenty of comfort breaks – at least every two-and-a-half-hours. A strong coffee and a 20-minute nap is more effective than simply stretching your legs.

3. It’s all in the service – make sure your vehicle is regularly serviced to ensure there are no underlying problems.

4. Level headed – ensure oil, coolant, windscreen wash and brake fluid levels are correct.

5. Tread carefully – check for any damage to tyres and make sure they are correctly inflated (do this when the tyres are cold), and they have enough tread.

The legal minimum for most cars is 1.6mm but the AA recommends changing them before the tread gets down to 2mm.

6. Keep a cool head – check the cooling fan to ensure it is running properly before a long journey.

Set the car heater to cold, run the car to normal temperature and then allow the engine to idle for five to ten minutes – you should hear the fan cut in automatically.

If it doesn't, there may be a fault with the fan temperature sensor or the fan itself.

7. Battery power – check the battery to see the connections are clean and tight and free from corrosion. Battery problems are the number one cause of breakdowns.

8. Take shade – driving in an overheated car is not only unpleasant but can cause the engine to overheat, causing a breakdown.

When not driving, park under cover or in the shade to keep the temperature lower inside the car.

Why not make a sunblind for the windscreen with a piece of cardboard?

9. Be prepared – the car is not the only thing that needs to be resourced well before a long trip, make sure you have a fully-packed first aid kit with you.

Sunburn, insect bites and stings in the summer are commonplace and can deflect your attention from driving if not properly cared for. Carry plenty of drinking water, food, a road atlas, fully charged mobile, sun tan lotion (so you won’t burn if your vehicle breaks down) and games for the youngster.

10. Warranty wonders – if disaster does strike make sure you are sufficiently covered with a warranty.

Investing in a warranty can often save drivers thousands of pounds each year and can offer roadside assistance as and when needed.