6 Top Summer Driving Tips For Van Drivers
Summer is very much on its way with rising temperatures and longer daytimes putting everyone in the mood for the impending sunny season.
However, while the brighter days and generally better weather make for more palatable driving conditions compared to winter, summer months still bring their own unique challenges for van drivers who spend their working days on the road.
Nevertheless, a few useful tips are all it takes to stop you from getting too hot under the collar when behind the wheel this summer.
1. Keep Cool In Hot Weather
It goes without saying that summer months brings warmer weather but while rising temperatures represent circumstances that all drivers should be aware of, some are more specific to van drivers.
First and foremost, any vehicle parked stationary under direct sunlight will inevitably result in an oppressively hot interior. Vans are even more susceptible to a scorching cabin though on account of having a larger glass windscreen area, not to mention a metal bulkhead directly behind the front seats.
Where possible park in the shade or invest in a sun reflector to place inside against the windscreen to prevent the cabin overheating. This is a cost-effective solution to remove any temptation of leaving the window cracked for air circulation as doing so could allow thieves to gain access to your van more easily.
2. Be Aware Of More Vehicles On The Road
Better weather often means more vehicles on the road, particularly at weekends as people head out to make the most of the sun and during the school summer holidays.
More vehicles mean more hazards to be aware of, while more remote touristy destinations will experience greater volumes of traffic during these months too. Be mindful of where you park and whether it is causing obstructions.
Moreover, sunnier conditions mean there will be far more motorcycles on the road too. Motorcycles can often be unsighted while they are filtering through traffic, so be very wary of SMIDSY (Sorry mate, I didn’t see you) hotspots such as changing lanes on a highway and at busy junctions.
Take extra care along winding country roads too as blossoming trees and bushes are more likely to obstruct views of oncoming traffic or at turnings.
3. Account For Longer, Sunnier Days
While we miss the sun in the winter, it’s emergence during the summer months can be problematic if you happen to be driving in the morning or the evening.
Indeed, depending on your direction of travel, bright shine during the hours of sunrise and sunset when the sun is at its lowest can be blinding and hinder your line of sight. At worst, it can entirely blind you in such a way that it is unsafe.
Using the sun visor inside the van helps to an extent, but polarised sunglasses are more effective so be sure to keep a spare pair within your van. If it is possible to arrange your schedule on the road, avoid travelling east when the sun is rising and west when it is setting.
4. Cooling Down
Getting hot and bothered when inside your van is unpleasant even without the oppressively warm temperatures that may also be occurring outside of it.
If you can, leave plenty of time to make your journey so you don’t need to feel rushed. Better still, plan one or two breaks so you can soak up some rays while you relax and refresh. Always carry one or more bottles of water with you to ensure you remain hydrated, particularly if you get caught in a lengthy traffic delay.
And if that doesn’t work, get the window down and turn up your favourite summery tune for the ultimate blissed, unhurried journey that will get you right in the summer vibe.
5. Caution In Summer Showers
It might be summer, but it wouldn’t be a British summer without a few unseasonal showers and cold snaps (usually around the time Wimbledon is on!).
While the damp, cold winters give us plenty of experience when it comes to driving in the wet, sporadic showers during summer months come with their own set of unique challenges.
For one, longer spells without rain to wash away grit and dust can lead to a low grip surface when wet conditions do eventually come and settle on top of debris, while Tarmac that has been heated in the sun will be less porous and might cause larger patches of standing water on the road.
Moreover, hot conditions can result in oil vapour and fuel laying on road surfaces, which then become particularly slick when rain immediately falls on them.
6. Summer Check Maintenance
If you didn’t use your van’s air-conditioning system regularly during the winter months, there is a chance it won’t be ready to work when summer comes around.
Air-conditioning systems can go stagnant, and gas is prone to leaking when not in use, so make sure you check it is working in advance of summer months to give you time to make any repairs where necessary.
Other maintenance checks worth making are wiper blades, particularly as the summer months brings with it more airborne bugs and birds.
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