We’ve recently had a spell of very hot weather and even some thunderstorms. With the discomfort that hot weather driving can bring, GEM Motoring Assist is taking the opportunity to offer advice that will help keep drivers cool and calm, even when it’s sweltering outside.
GEM chief executive David Williams MBE says: “Making long journeys in hot weather can be stressful, especially if traffic is heavy and you’re stuck for any length of time. We recommend good preparation and sensible journey planning to help you cope with the worst of the heat.”
GEM has issued the following simple tips to assist drivers and their passengers when the weather is hot:
- Drink plenty of water. Take a good supply of drinking water with you, preferably in a cool bag. Staying hydrated helps keep you in good physical condition during times of high temperature.
- Check your engine before you set off; in particular make sure your oil and coolant levels are correct.
- Do not leave children (or pets) in the car, even for short periods. In hot weather, it’s simply cruel and negligent. Besides, distress, dehydration and heatstroke can occur very quickly.
- If you do get stuck in traffic, keep an eye on the temperature gauge for signs of overheating. If necessary, find somewhere safe to pull over and let the car cool down for half an hour.
- If it’s not safe to pull over, the turning on the heater may help take some heat off the engine, although it won’t be very pleasant for you!
- If you’re likely to be stationary for a long time, switch off the engine to prevent overheating.
Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.
Leave a Reply