Things are getting hotter from day to day and temperatures of upwards of 30 degrees are now considered ‘normal’ rather than the exception. Drivers should therefore be particularly well prepared for any outing, as the summer heat can become a hazard. If your car is left in the blazing sun for a longer period of time, for example, the temperature inside can quickly get to sauna levels – at which point the thermometer can climb to over 60 degrees. Our tips will keep you cool even while driving…
Tip no. 1: Be well-prepared for long drives
Since the large windscreen in particular allows a lot of heat into the car, it should be covered with a foil cover the day before and during any breaks, just how it is used as a kind of frost guard in winter. Ventilate the passenger compartment well to get rid of the warmed-up air. The air conditioning should not be set to circulating air for too long, as this dries the air out.
Tip no. 2: Conserve your battery and battery pack
Battery damage is the most common cause of breakdowns in summer. The ideal temperature range of a battery is 20 to 35 degrees, and the extreme heat causes the battery to discharge much faster. Discharging can be prevented by disconnecting the battery.
E-car drivers should choose shady parking spaces to conserve battery power. And only use the air conditioning sparingly because it is an absolute battery killer.
Tip no. 3: Check the tyre pressure regularly
Flat tyres due to low tyre pressure are the second most common cause of breakdowns. This is because low tyre inflation pressure results in a larger tyre contact area, which in turn heats the tyres up faster at high asphalt temperatures , resulting in damage. Regular tyre checks, such as with the BY10 tyre pressure gauge from Trotec, effectively help you avoid this hazard.
Tip no. 4: Beware of ‘blow-ups’
Concrete carriageways suffer particularly from the heat: so-called blow-ups can occur. This causes the concrete pavement to expand until cracks or holes form in the road surface because individual slabs slide over each other. Blow-ups can be dangerous to drivers and motorcyclists, as parts of the carriageway can sometimes protrude.
Tip no. 5: Be aware of increasing oil consumption
Nobody has to be worried about steaming radiators anymore because the coolant is kept in a closed circuit. Therefore, it cannot evaporate or disappear even at higher temperatures. However, oil consumption can increase in summer as the engine oil is also used for cooling. Keep an eye on it!
Tip no. 6: Never fill up completely in summer
Fuel can expand at high temperatures, which increases the risk of fire and explosion. Experts also generally advise against taking a spare fuel canister with you.
Tip no. 7: Water for everyone and everything
The indispensable thirst quencher for humans and animals should be carried on board in sufficient quantities. Still water is best, since it can also be used to refill the cooler or washer fluid in an emergency.
Tip no. 8: The very best for your pet on board
Riding in overheated cars can be particularly stressful to pets. For example, dogs cannot cool themselves down by sweating through the skin. Longer trips should therefore be made in the early morning or late evening with breaks every two hours. What’s more, dogs should be protected from draughts in the car, as this can quickly lead to conjunctivitis. And of course it goes without saying: Under no circumstances should pets be allowed to remain alone in the car because a lack of oxygen, circulatory problems and circulatory failure can at worst lead to their deaths.
Trotec wishes you a good trip!
