Travelling with the right air conditioning. Checking the vehicle before a long journey… summer recommendations, as for the rest of the year, have a lot to do with safety. But not only that.
If in April we set about thinking about the best tips for driving in a season like spring, it is clear that in the middle of summer it is time to tackle the specific features of these months. Are they hot? Very. For that very reason, and because whether on a pleasure trip or a work journey (we are mainly addressing roadside assistance tow-truck operators), safety will always be the most important thing.
- Keep on top of maintenance. It may sound obvious, but it isn't. The truth is that it is a message we repeat throughout the year, but given the age of the vehicle fleet in our country… perhaps we don't say it often enough. Beyond the regular, compulsory roadworthiness tests (ITV), a vehicle must be in the best possible condition. Tyres, brakes, oil, spark plugs, wipers, lights, engine… visit the garage from time to time: you won't regret it.
- Here are three tips in a row that you should follow to the letter: plan your breaks and stops, travel during the least sweltering hours of the day and wear approved sunglasses. Stop if you have been driving for two hours or 200 km, to combat monotony and fatigue. If you are setting off on a trip, leave home first thing in the morning or at dusk. Driving will be much more comfortable for you.
- Recharging the air conditioning is no chore. For this reason, check that everything is in order before temperatures start to rise. Remember that heatstroke can be extremely dangerous for drivers and passengers, especially for vulnerable people (the elderly and children) or any pets travelling with you. If you are driving alone because you use your vehicle for work, do not neglect the air conditioning. We spend too many hours in our tow trucks to suffer the intense heat. Ideally it should be between 21 °C and 23 °C.
- Google Maps is great... and you know it. Don't hold back from using it, planning your route if you are setting off with friends to your holiday destination, or travelling as a couple or with the family. It doesn't matter. Planning a journey will always be a good idea: considering the best roads, anticipating which petrol stations or service areas we might come across, checking times… We talked about them recently right here.
- We are still in a pandemic, so before setting off, find out about the situation at your destination. If you drive for work (for example, providing a tow-truck service), stay equipped with enough face masks and hand sanitiser for you and your customers. If your vehicle is used for roadside assistance, it must be completely safe for anyone who needs to get in. Cleaning and disinfection are a day-to-day matter.
