How to drive safely in summer

This is always important when you're behind the wheel, but particularly in sunny weather. Even with sun visors, the glare from bright sunlight can make it harder to see what's happening on the road ahead.

Make sure you have a good pair of sunglasses to hand, but remember, check for 'Not suitable for driving and road use' labels before choosing which pair you wear to drive!

Again, this is essential in all weather conditions, but a dirty windscreen can intensify glare and make it much harder to see clearly, especially when the sun is low.

Give both the inside and outside a proper clean before longer journeys.

Learn more about how to look after your car windscreen.

Slow down to a safe speed that gives you time to react, and increase the distance between you and the car in front.

Other drivers may also be struggling with the glare, so stay alert and be prepared for sudden braking, especially when visibility is reduced by low sun.

Coolant is especially important for this time of year as hot weather can lead to engines overheating.

Summer heat can degrade your battery faster than winter cold, accelerating internal wear and shortening its life. If you notice slow starts or dim lights, have it checked by a professional.

If you have an EV, keep your battery healthy, avoid charging to 100% when it's extremely hot – aim for around 80% instead. Park in the shade whenever you can, as this helps keep the battery cool and reduces the strain on the thermal management system. If you're planning a journey, precondition your cabin whilst your car is still plugged in, which means you'll use less battery power on the road.

Make sure it's working properly… there’s nothing worse than setting off on a summer road trip only to find your air con has packed in!

Carry out visual inspections of belts and hoses for signs of wear. As temperatures rise, rubber belts and hoses can degrade, so check for bulges, blisters, cracks or cuts in the rubber. It's best to replace them now if they show obvious wear.

On the topic of your car overheating in the summer sunshine, it's very important to make sure your dashboard and seats are clear of devices that could explode because of prolonged exposure to heat.

This can include things like:

• Mobile phones.
• Tablets.
• Laptops.
• Sat navs.

When parked, use a windscreen shade to protect your devices and keep the interior cool. Consider keeping windows open slightly if safe to do so, which can help reduce the temperature build-up.

Absolutely. Before any summer road trip, review your car insurance policy to confirm you have adequate breakdown cover and check whether you're covered for European driving if you're travelling abroad.

Make sure your policy documents are easily accessible, either in your glovebox or saved on your phone. It's also worth having a first aid kit in your car for emergencies.

Planning ahead helps you avoid unexpected delays and gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your journey rather than worrying about what might go wrong.

So, in summary, what are the top five safety tips for summer driving?

• Wear proper sunglasses to reduce glare.
• Check your oil and coolant levels to prevent overheating.
• Check your tyres have adequate tread depth and are suitable for summer.
• Stay alert, take breaks every two hours, and keep plenty of water in your car.
• Check your car insurance policy and breakdown cover before heading off.

Following these steps can help reduce stress levels and keep you safe during longer journeys in hot weather.