TOP FIVE TIPS FOR SUMMER DRIVING

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After what feels like an eternity of snow, sleet and sub-zero temperatures, it feels as if summer has finally arrived! And what better way to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather than to pack the family into the car and head off on a summer adventure. Whether you’re planning a few trips to a local beach or beauty spot, or a longer trip away, it’s important to make sure that your car is up the task and that you’re prepared to tackle any problems that summer driving can throw at you. Follow these five tips to ensure that you and your family stay safe and comfortable when you’re driving in the summer months.

Looking after the little people

Though we’re all praying for some sun this summer, it’s important to remember that while the temperature outside may be steady and comfortable, the heat inside the car can quickly climb. If your car’s equipped with air conditioning, then that’s great for regulating the temperature. But if you’re travelling with babies and small children, they’ll need to be shaded from the sunlight.

Mothercare offer a range of sunshades, starting from as little as £5.99, in a range of designs and styles that will keep little ones cool and comfortable in the back seat. It goes without saying that stocking up on bottled water and juices is a must when driving in hot weather, especially when travelling with children. Keep a damp flannel in the car to cool down anyone getting a little bit agitated from the heat, by holding it on the back of the neck or against the inside of the wrists.

Safe Tyres

An underinflated tyre in hot weather can be hazardous. No matter how long your journey is, always check your tyre pressures before setting off to ensure that you’re going to stay safe and in control of the vehicle.

Kwik Fit offer detailed advice on maintaining your tyres, based on your car make and model, specifying the pressures and treads that are going to keep you and your loved ones safe. Tyres with low tread are going to need replaced, and fast!

Not expecting rain? You still need to check your wipers

After the stresses of winter weather, you’re windscreen wipers can be in a bit of a sorry state. Freezing temperatures and frost can leave wipers damaged and broken, and ineffective at keeping your view of the road clear. Warmer weather can bring with it the occasional violent storm and heavy downpour. So making sure that your wipers are up to scratch is essential to a safe summer journey.

Halfords stock reasonably priced wipers, specific to the model of your car – their online service allows you to enter your car registration which will bring up suitable replacement blades and they offer fitting for just £2.99.

Making sure the radiator is in working order

Summer time is especially strenuous for the inner workings of your car. Long journeys and sitting in traffic in hot weather can quickly lead to an engine overheating. In hot weather, your car’s radiator is most at risk to damage. To see exactly what can go wrong with your car radiator click here.

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Companies like Advanced Radiators offer car radiator repair, which can rectify problems that can occur as a result of summer driving. Better still, this is much cheaper than replacing the entire radiator, which is not always necessary. Damaged and worn parts can be replaced to ensure that your car won’t leave you stranded at the side of the road.

Keeping an eye on the weather

Driving late at night or early in the morning, when the temperatures are going to be lower, is a clever move when you’re making a long journey. You’ll also beat the traffic, although you should always ensure that you’ve had a good night sleep, whatever time you’ll be setting off.

It’s also a good idea to check the weather before you leave. The Met Office is a good place to get detailed information about the weather for the day you’re travelling, and will provide you with the times of sunrise, sunset and the expected temperatures for the day.

Above all, take the time to ensure that your car is roadworthy, that any damage as a result of the winter months has been rectified and that you’re fully prepared for the unpredictability of the weather before embarking on any journey.    

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post but that doesn't stop it being fun to read

Car Ideas For A New Family

This is a guest post - given that "what are the best cars for a new family" is the most common question that readers contact me with, I felt it appropriate!

When you have a family on the way and you need a car that is more suitable to your needs. This could mean a larger car or an upgraded model with greater safety features or it could simply mean trading in a small hatchback for a saloon car or something big enough to fit a car seat, a dog and the weekly shop. It could be as simple as swapping your Toyota Yaris for an Auris or an Avensis; it all depends on your family’s needs and your own taste.

Volvo XC60

4x4s and SUVs

Most people with families and with a little money to burn tend to just by 4x4s or SUVs because the size of the car can fit up to seven people in comfort, as well as providing excellent safety ratings. However these behemoths are very expensive, not just to buy, but to insure, to tax, and to quench their thirsty engines. They are perfect for living in the country as their off-roading abilities will be useful but for a family car in the town or city, there are other options to choose from which may prove more financially viable.

Estate cars

For those that need a lot of space but do not wish to deal with the manoeuvring challenges that come with tall cars like 4x4s, there are estate cars. Estate cars can offer just as much cabin and boot space as any SUV but can be much cheaper to run; especially regarding Volvo estate cars. Volvo cars have excellent safety records, giving you peace of mind for your family’s wellbeing. Volvos are also relatively inexpensive to run compared with other big cars as they have economical engines and locally to us,  Volvo Servicing Farnborough is good for sourcing inexpensive spare parts if something does fail.

Volvo V60

Saloons and hatchbacks

However, if you are on a budget or you do not have a big family to transport around all the time, there are also a wide variety of saloon cars and larger hatchbacks such as the Honda Jazz, which will be much cheaper to buy and put on the road. Saloons are preferred by more avid drivers as they can take up to four people in comfort yet are still as powerful and manoeuvrable as their smaller competitors. These are cars that are perfect to drive around town in as they are still big enough to be comfortable but are great to drive on the open road as they respond in a similar manner to a smaller car.