Driving in hot weather. 17/07/14


Now that we are having a particularly hot spell of weather, it is important to be properly prepared for your journey.

Hot weather can not only affect your vehicle and the road conditions, but can also take its toll on you and your passengers.


Prepare your car


  • Check that your car coolant is at the correct level to avoid your engine overheating

  • Keep a bottle of water in your vehicle, in case you have to top up your coolant

  • Check the temperature gauge of your vehicle frequently, especially in congested traffic

  • If your vehicle is beginning to overheat, find a safe place to stop and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes

  • If you have to top up your coolant, wait for at least half an hour before adding more coolant as the coolant may be hot enough to scald exposed skin

  • Your cooling system relies on air flow through the radiator in order to function, so if you are stationary for any length of time it is advisable to turn off the engine to avoid overheating

  • Opening windows and turning on your car heater should help dissipate excess heat from an overheating engine

  • If you are stuck in traffic, be aware that air conditioning systems can increase your fuel consumption by up to 20%

  • Check that your oil is topped up. Oil not only lubricates your engine but also helps keep your engine cool


How it can affect your driving



  • Road surfaces may soften in the heat, and following dry periods may also become slippery if it rains. So extra care should be taken when steering or braking

  • Its possible you may become dazzled in sunny weather, if this happens you should slow down or stop if necessary when it is safe to do so



Look after yourself and your passengers



  • Making a long journey in a hot vehicle can make you both tired and irritable, it is advisable to take more rest breaks than you would normally

  • Ensure you have bottled water for you and your passengers to avoid dehydration

  • If you have young children in your car, ensure they have plenty of things to keep them amused if you are stuck in traffic

  • Keep your vehicle well ventilated. If you have air conditioning, remember that it only works with the windows closed



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