Hot weather driving advice. 20/05/14


Driving your car in hot weather can sometimes be a chore particularly if it is a long journey. There are however many things you can do before you start out to minimise the stress to yourself and your passengers during hot weather.

In terms of safety, there are also potential hazards that you should be prepared for in these weather conditions.


Prepare for your journey


  • Allow plenty of time for your journey and include time for rest breaks

  • Check traffic reports if you can for any delays on your intended route

  • Engine coolant. Ensure your engines coolant is topped up to ensure your vehicle does not over-heat if you are stuck in traffic. Also carry a large bottle of spare coolant in case you need to top it up during the journey

  • Check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure

  • Check that your oil is topped up as your oil not only acts as a lubricant, it helps keep your engine cool

  • Take ample quantities of drinking water and food for everyone in your vehicle

  • If you have children in the vehicle, make sure they have things to keep them amused for the journey

  • If you have breakdown cover, ensure you have their number with you!


During your journey


  • It may be necessary to take more rest breaks than normal as hot weather can make you or your passengers irritable

  • Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness, but bear in mind an air conditioning system could increase your fuel consumption by up to 20%

  • In very hot weather the road surface may become soft and affect your steering

  • Check your engine temperature guage and if it starts to overheat, find a safe place to stop while it cools down

  • If you believe you need to top up your coolant, stop your vehicle in a safe place and wait for at least half an hour before attempting to top it up to avoid being scalded

  • If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and take extra care

  • If you are stuck in a traffic jam, stop your engine as the cooling system relies on air-flow through the radiator to work effectively

  • Ensure you and your passengers drink plenty of water to avoid dehydrating



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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

  • 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