Hot weather driving
Making long journeys in hot weather can sometimes be quite stressful, especially if you get stuck in a long traffic queue. If you are travelling with children make sure you take plenty of things to keep them amused, fed and watered just in case your journey takes longer than expected! In addition to this, there are several things you can do to prepare for a journey on a hot summers day that can help you avoid potential problems.
What things to check before you go
Hot temperatures will actually make the pressure in your tyres increase slightly, the changes should be minimal and won't affect the handling unduly but always make sure your tyre pressures are correct before you leave.Make sure you have enough oil in your car. Oil not only lubricates your engine but it actually helps to keep it cool.
Check your coolant levels. Coolant is of course vitally important in hot weather because if your engine overheats it can do a lot of damage and may even write it off.
Keep a large bottle of water safely stored perhaps in the boot of the vehicle in which you are travelling and familiarise yourself with the 'normal' operating temperature of your engine by checking the temperature gauge for the first 10 miles or so of your journey. If you do get stuck in a traffic queue, keep an eye on the temperature gauge for signs of overheating.
If your car does begin to overheat then find somewhere safe to pull over and let the car cool down for at least half an hour before even thinking about topping up your radiator.
The water in your cooling system gets extremely hot and will also be under pressure so never attempt to top it up straight away. If you can't pull over straight away opening the windows and turning on the heater may help dissipate some of the heat while you look for somewhere to stop.
Remember that your engines radiator relies on air flow (ie. the car moving!) in order to cool the engine, so if you are stuck in a queue and not moving for any length of time it might be worth turning off your engine while you are waiting for the traffic to start moving again.
Keep alert
Making a long journey on a hot day can be very tiring. Make sure you drink plenty of water and don't become dehydrated and keep a cool bag in the car with enough bottled water and cold drinks to keep you going for a couple of hours. Allow extra time in your journey for rest breaks and if you start to feel drowsy then opening the windows and getting some fresh air may help.Using the Air Conditioning system
If you have air conditioning in your car remember that it will not work effectively if you have any windows open. Also if you are in a traffic jam don't forget that using your air conditioning will make you use up to 20% more fuel so if you are running low, it might be idea to turn it off and open the windows instead.If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be able to make an injury compensation claim. Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.
No need to claim on your insurance
Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
No excess to pay
Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle
Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs
If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Legal Assistance
Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.
They issues they can assist you with include:
They issues they can assist you with include:
- Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
- Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
- Recovery of all repair costs
- Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
- Seeking financial compensation for an injury
