Summer Wellbeing for You and Your Car
Temperatures are higher and roads busier than usual with holiday makers. The summer puts extra demand on your Motability vehicle. Read on to find out how to keep you and your car summer ready. Whatever the sunshine brings you!
Set off right
Check your vehicle before setting off. Ensuring you have the correct tyre pressure saves you from making inconvenient stops on the journey. Are you confident in your wiper blades? If not it’s worth buying a new set to ensure your view is always kept clear. Also, top up your fluids like windscreen wiper fluid, coolant and oil.
Prevent glare from affecting you excessively when driving. Check that your windscreen is clean before you set off. And, of course, keep a set of sunglasses in your car at all times.
Planning ahead
Planning your journey before you set off will help you be confident of your route. This will be reflected in your driving and will help you keep that calm headspace intact.
Bring a breakdown kit
Most of us have a 'just in case’ kit in the car already, usually including a first aid kit, phone chargers and your breakdown provider’s information. If you’re driving abroad in your Motability car, you might want to check out our guide to make sure you have the right gear for the right trip.
Your summer breakdown kit might need a few specific items though. Be sure to include plenty of water for all passengers, iced if possible. And a drinking bowl for any furry friends. Essentials like snacks and suncream are a wise choice in case you’re waiting a little while.
Keep yourself cool
The interior of the car can heat up quickly on a hot day or when in direct sunlight. Allow extra time to cool the inside of your vehicle down before setting off. Open the doors to let the heat out, or alternatively set the air conditioning to go for a couple of minutes with the doors closed.
Using sun shields for back passenger windows when on the move helps reduce direct sunlight. Putting a windscreen shade in place when parked up will stop the car heating up while you’re enjoying the day. And speaking of shade, if the car park has a shady space convenient for you, prioritise that one.
Defensive driving
With holidaymakers on the roads on top of normal traffic, the roads can get busy and stressful at times. Be on the lookout for people driving erratically and making last-minute decisions. No matter how everyone else behaves, try to remain calm and collected. This enables you to make good decisions and filter out distractions.
Prone to hayfever?
Hayfever is a yearly struggle for sufferers. It can affect your eyes; make you sneeze or cough and can give you a headache. All these things can affect you while driving. Take non-drowsy medications prior to setting out on a journey. Turning your car’s air circulation feature on and closing the windows will help keep your exposure to a minimum. Especially in rural areas, it will keep the pollen out of the car and out of your system. Take extra tissues with you too.
You’re ready for your drive!
Travelling in summer can feel like a road trip from the movies. If you are well prepared there’s no reason the sunshine, heat or bigger crowds should put a crimp in your day. For some ideas for your next summer day out in Scotland, take a look at our article here. Happy driving!
Take a look at our great range of Motability cars. From SUV to hatchback, we’ve got you covered. Our Motability experts are always on hand to answer any of your questions.