Hot Weather Driving Tips

Keep your cool when temperatures rise

Britain’s summers are getting hotter and sunnier, and that can turn even a short drive into a test of patience and reliability. Parked cars heat rapidly in direct sun, cabins feel like ovens, and engines work harder than you realise. The result is discomfort, drowsiness and an increased risk of breakdowns at exactly the time you want a simple, safe journey. A few measured steps make all the difference, from where you park to how you ventilate and maintain the car.

Shaded parking under trees or multi-storey car parks keeps interiors cooler and protects fabrics from UV damage. If shade is scarce, a reflective windscreen cover reduces internal heat by several degrees and a towel on the steering wheel prevents burns. Before setting off, open the windows to purge trapped hot air, then close them and direct the air conditioning up towards the ceiling to circulate cool air efficiently without straining the system.

Hydration is not just about comfort. Dehydration has been shown to impair concentration in ways comparable to drink driving. Pack water for everyone on board, especially for long queues on the M5 or the North Circular. Skip highly caffeinated drinks that can worsen dehydration and cause energy dips later. With clearer skies comes glare. Legal sunglasses with suitable lens categories, plus visors and a clean windscreen, help you see hazards earlier and reduce sudden dazzle.

Heat is hard on vehicles too. Hot tarmac softens and reduces grip. Tyres wear faster and pressures fluctuate, which can trigger blowouts if they are already underinflated. Engines are more prone to overheating if coolant is low, and older batteries, belts and hoses can fail under thermal stress. Slow down, lengthen following distances, and keep a close eye on your temperature gauge. Small checks save large bills.

Smart prep means cooler starts, clearer vision and fewer surprises.

Next step suggestion: choose two quick wins today - commit to shaded parking and a weekly tyre pressure check.

Who benefits most from this guidance

If you drive in the UK during summer - whether you are commuting through city heat, heading to the coast with family or towing to a campsite - these tips are for you. Newer drivers gain confidence with clear, practical routines. Experienced motorists pick up seasonal adjustments that protect tyres, brakes and cooling systems. Parents, dog owners and anyone managing long motorway stretches will find advice that keeps passengers comfortable, the driver alert, and the car mechanically sound. Fleet users and delivery drivers can translate these steps into fewer delays and more predictable running costs.

Smart moves you can make now

1. Park in shade or use a reflective windscreen cover.

2. Ventilate first with windows open, then use air con efficiently.

3. Carry water for every passenger and sip regularly.

4. Check tyre pressures more often and inspect tread and sidewalls.

5. Top up coolant, oil, brake and washer fluids.

6. Reduce speed on hot or freshly rained-on roads.

7. Use legal sunglasses, visors and sunscreen for glare protection.

8. Book pre-heatwave checks for battery, belts, hoses and air con.

9. Expect more cyclists, pedestrians and farm vehicles - drive defensively.

10. Never leave pets in a parked car, not even briefly.

What it costs, and what you gain

Who qualifies and what to consider

Every UK motorist can adopt these practices, regardless of vehicle age. Newer cars often manage heat better with efficient cooling and cabin filtration, but they still rely on correct fluid levels and sound tyres. Older vehicles, cars with higher mileages, and those towing or carrying heavy loads face greater heat stress, so more frequent inspections are sensible. If your car has a known coolant leak, intermittent overheating or weak air conditioning, address these before the next warm spell. For drivers budgeting repairs, spreading the cost of essential maintenance can keep you mobile and safe. Kandoo works with a panel of UK lenders, so eligible customers may find finance options for repairs, tyres, air con servicing or larger vehicle expenses. Always check affordability, and remember that timely maintenance often costs less than reactive breakdown recovery in peak holiday traffic.

From hot start to cool cruise - step by step

1. Park in shade or apply reflective windscreen cover.

2. Open all windows to purge trapped hot air.

3. Start engine, set air con, aim vents towards ceiling.

4. Close windows as cabin cools to maintain efficiency.

5. Sip water and stow bottles safely within reach.

6. Check tyre pressures before longer journeys or heatwaves.

7. Drive smoothly, increase distances, watch the temp gauge.

Advantages and trade-offs at a glance

Read this before you set off

Plan your parking and route with shade, services and likely congestion in mind. Multi-storey car parks or tree-lined streets can reduce cabin temperature dramatically, making the return to your vehicle more comfortable and safer. Give your car a quick walkaround while it is still cool, checking fluids, tyres and wiper condition. On the move, be cautious when the weather breaks after a dry spell, as the first rain lifts oil and dust, reducing grip. If your temperature gauge rises or your air con loses effectiveness, pull over safely, switch off the engine and let the car cool before investigating. Keep pets at home during heat spikes and never leave them in a parked vehicle. A little preparation avoids frantic fixes in the hard shoulder.

If this does not fit, try these

1. Travel early morning or later evening to avoid peak heat.

2. Use public transport during extreme heat alerts.

3. Car share to reduce time behind the wheel.

4. Book a professional summer service package.

5. Fit legal window sunshades for rear passengers.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How long should I ventilate before using air con? A: One to two minutes with windows open usually clears the hottest air. Close them once the air con is cooling effectively.

Q: What tyre pressure change should I expect in heat? A: Pressures can rise slightly as air expands. Set pressures when tyres are cold and recheck weekly in hot spells.

Q: Which sunglasses are legal for UK driving? A: Avoid very dark category 4 lenses. Choose lenses that reduce glare but still allow you to see clearly in tunnels and shade.

Q: Is dehydration really that risky for drivers? A: Yes. Even mild dehydration can slow reactions and impair judgement. Keep water accessible and drink little and often.

Q: My temperature gauge crept up in traffic. What now? A: Put the heater on full to draw heat from the engine, then stop safely. Let the engine cool before checking coolant levels.

Q: Should I switch off start-stop in heat? A: If the cabin is very hot, temporarily disabling start-stop can help the air con stabilise temperature in heavy traffic.

How Kandoo can help you keep moving

Essential summer maintenance often arrives all at once - tyres, air con service, coolant fixes. Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker that can introduce you to lenders offering finance options for approved repairs and upgrades. If eligible, you can spread costs responsibly, keep your car safe in hot weather, and avoid delaying critical work. Check your options in minutes and drive with confidence.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal advice. Always follow your vehicle handbook and UK law, and use qualified mechanics for repairs. Credit is subject to status and affordability. Kandoo is a broker, not a lender.