Just as the seasons change, so do driving conditions.
It’s important you adapt to these ever-changing conditions in both your driving style and maintenance routine. From treacherous, icy roads in the winter to blinding sun in the summer, it can be easy to be caught out by general ignorance. Check out our seasonal driving tips below to find out more…
Spring
Just as you give your home a spring clean, why not treat your vehicle to one too? Removing excess mud, salt and grime built up during the winter months will reduce rusting and paint damage.
Spring is a real pain for pot holes. Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles of water seep into cracks in the road, caused by the continual wear and tear of traffic. As it freezes, the water expands, further opening the cracks and causing havoc for drivers. Severe pot holes can greatly damage your wheels, tyres and steering alignment, even when travelling at a low speed.
Keep an eye out for these nuisances, even on familiar routes. If you do see one, avoid braking—this can often cause more damage than good. Also, keep your tyres properly inflated for further protection.
Spring is famous for its “April showers”. But don’t underestimate the power of a bit of rain! Take your time on your journey. A slow speed is one of the few ways to stop your vehicle from hydroplaning. Also, turn your lights on—never assume other motorists can see you through the rain. Finally, allow 1-2 extra seconds braking time when driving in wet, slippery conditions.
Summer
One of the biggest issues with driving in the summer is the annoying glare from the sun. Always keep a pair of sunglasses handy, and keep your windscreen clean. Dirty windscreens can significantly worsen the glare as dirt disperses sunlight, further lowering your already limited visibility.
Along with its glare, the sun poses further risks to motorists. If your vehicle is too hot, you can become dehydrated or drowsy. Ensure your air-con is working, and keep a bottle of water to hand too.
Of course, the summer means summer holidays! Before you begin your excursion, remember to pack safely. Place the heaviest items at the bottom, and take care not to block your rear-view mirror.
Autumn
As mentioned above, sun glare is a huge problem for motorists. This is especially dangerous in the Autumn, where the sun sets earlier, so its glare sits at eye level during peak travel times. Therefore, sunglasses and a clean windscreen remain as essential as ever.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, while it can be foggy all year round, it’s most likely in the Autumn. So, check your fog lights are in full working order, drive slow, and stay focused. Always use your fog light, never high-beam headlights! As fog is made from tiny water droplets, it spreads and reflects light which can blind other drivers. Low-beam headlights will help other motorists see you.
Falling leaves are synonymous with Autumn, but they can cause a number of problems for motorists. For example, many drivers skid on wet leaves, or fail to notice dips, road markings or speed bumps hidden by leaves. So remember to drive carefully and, much like with pot holes, avoid braking hard as this can make the situation worse.
Winter
Driving in the winter can be really treacherous. The weather is unforgiving, from snow and ice to sleet and rain, so journeys generally take longer. Therefore, remember to factor in additional time when travelling, and check traffic reports before and during your journey.
Skidding and braking in wet, icy conditions is a concern for many motorists. With stopping distances increased by ten times in the snow and ice, remember to leave a bigger space than usual between you and the vehicle ahead. Also, avoid hard braking and using cruise control in icy conditions, as this can lead to skidding. If you do skid, remove your foot from the accelerator and brake and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go. Only apply your brakes when you regain control of your vehicle.
Aspland Self Drive have a wide range of vans available for hire.
All our vehicles include RAC cover, so if you do get into trouble on the road, be assured that you’ll soon be in safe hands. What’s more, our vans are well-maintained and assessed after every hire to ensure they remain in top condition to drive. Hire a van with us today!