Enjoy Smoother Rides This Summer with These Expert Tips
Driving during the summer months can be challenging for PCO drivers in London. Long hours on the road with constant sun exposure can take a toll on your comfort, health, and even your earnings. Here are the summer driving tips for PCO drivers to help you beat the heat and stay cool and in control during the summer months.
Article Highlights
Enjoy smoother rides this summer with these expert tips:
- Check your air conditioning regularly
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Dress comfortably and professionally
- Use sunshades and window tints
- Keep your vehicle clean and fresh
- Watch tyre pressure
- Use sun protection
- Monitor engine temperature
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Check Your Air Conditioning Regularly
A weak or faulty AC will cause discomfort to both you and the passengers. That’s why your car’s air conditioning system should work properly all the time. Here are some signs that your car’s AC needs fixing:
- It blows warm air
- Takes forever to cool the car
- Makes strange noises
Best practice: Get your air conditioning system checked in late spring. This gives you time to fix any issues before the summer heat arrives.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Driving for long hours in hot weather can lead to dehydration faster than you realise. As a result, your brain slows down, fatigue sets in, and you may get headaches as well.
- Keep a bottle of water in your car.
- Sip it regularly, not just when you feel thirsty, to stay hydrated.
- Avoid fizzy or sugary drinks like Coke, as they can dehydrate you further.
Being well-hydrated keeps you alert, focused, and calm, all of which are essential for safety on the road.
Want to know how to avoid fatigue when driving? Read our guide here.
Dress Comfortably and Professionally
Your dressing choices also affect your comfort level when driving in summer.
Tips for bright summer dressing:
- Wear breathable materials, such as cotton pants or shorts, for comfort. While comfort is important, always maintain a clean and professional look. It reflects well on your service, and it could also improve customer ratings.
- Choose colours wisely as well. Black might be your favourite colour, but in summer, it absorbs sunlight and raises your body temperature.
- Wear lighter shades that reflect sunlight, like white, grey, or beige.
- Always keep a backup shirt and a pair of trousers in the car in case you need them.
Use Sunshades and Window Tints
Heat builds up quickly inside a car during a hot sunny day. To bring the temperature back to normal, your car’s AC will need to work harder, which can drain the battery or fuel quickly.
Here’s what you should do:
- Use a reflective sunshade for your front windscreen when the car is parked. This will help block direct sunlight, and it may lower the car’s internal temperature.
- Using side and rear window shades can also help.
- Window tinting is another effective way to keep the interior temperature low.
Important: TfL regulations require the front windscreen to allow at least 75% of light through and the front side windows at least 70%. Always comply to avoid penalties.
Keep Your Vehicle Clean and Fresh
Heat intensifies smells in cars. Whether it’s the smell from the food you just ate or a sweaty passenger on a long ride, failing to get rid of it will make the journey unpleasant for the following riders.
- Use mild air fresheners to keep the car smelling nice.
- Never let grime build up.
- Make cleaning your regular habit.
- Wipe down high-touch areas, such as the dashboard, doors, and cup holders, with a damp cloth a couple of times a week.
- Use cleaners that don’t leave any smell behind.
- Vacuum the seats and floor mats often, especially on rainy days.
- Give the boot the same care as the rest of the car, as that’s where you’ll be carrying luggage, shopping bags, etc.
Remember that passengers notice everything. A car that’s not clean and fresh may leave a negative impression.
Watch Tyre Pressure
Heat affects the tyres too. It causes the air inside the tyre to expand, resulting in overinflation. This could lead to blowouts, uneven tread wear, and reduced road grip.
- Check your tyre pressure at least once a week.
- Maintain it according to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
- You can find these numbers in the car manual or by searching online.
- The spare tyre counts as well.
Properly inflated tyres improve fuel efficiency, safety, and ride comfort.
Use Sun Protection
Spending hours behind the wheel exposes your skin to harmful UV rays, especially on your face, arms, and hands.
- Apply sunscreen on your face, neck, hands, and arms.
- Don’t just do it once a day. Do it every few hours for maximum effect.
- You can also wear UV-protecting driving sleeves to cover your arms.
- Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Constant glare can cause eye strain.
Monitor Your Engine Temperature
Engine overheating is another problem you should be aware of. On hot days when the sun is baking your bonnet and the AC is on full speed, your engine is being pushed to its limits. Not paying attention could lead to breakdowns.
- Keep an eye on the temperature needle.
- If it’s hitting the red zone, stop in a safe place and allow the car to cool down.
- Make sure your car’s coolant level isn’t too low. If it is, refill to the recommended level.
Important: Never open the coolant reservoir while the engine is hot, as it can cause severe burns.
If you’re using a PCO car hire service, report the issue to the provider immediately. If you own the vehicle, consult a trusted mechanic.
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Conclusion
Driving in summer requires extra attention to confirm your personal and passenger comfort. Prepare your vehicle for the hot weather before it starts, and stay alert to address any issues that may arise during the shift. The more proactive you are, the less likely it is that things will go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the biggest risk of driving in extreme heat?
Dehydration is the biggest risk of driving in extreme heat as it can lead to headaches, low blood pressure, and more. Drink water regularly during your shift to stay hydrated and healthy.
How to prevent fatigue when driving?
Fatigue can lead to slow reaction times and drowsiness. Sleep properly every night and take breaks regularly during your shifts to stay active.
How to reduce the risk of heatstroke as a PCO driver?
Heatstroke is normally caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Make sure your car’s AC is working fine and avoid direct exposure to the sun when possible.
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