With temperatures reaching record-highs this summer, many professional drivers across the UK are looking for ways to keep their vehicles cool and comfortable.
Whether you’re a local taxi driver or a nation-wide HGV driver, staying safe in hot weather is important when spending long hours behind the wheel. Driving in high temperatures is not only uncomfortable, but it can lead to reduced fatigue and concentration, which can be dangerous for yourself, your passengers and other road users.
The good news is that there are plenty of simple ways to manage the temperature inside your vehicle. As a professional driver insurance broker, we’ve put together some top tips to help you spend less time waiting for your car to cool down and more time earning on the road.
Prevention
For professional drivers, every minute counts. Preventative measures can help stop your vehicle from becoming unbearably hot so you can set off sooner rather than later.
1. Avoid parking in direct sunlight
It may seem obvious, but avoiding direct sunlight is one of the easiest ways to keep your vehicle cooler. You should aim to park in the shade whenever you can to help reduce the build-up of heat inside of your car.
2. Use a windscreen sunshade
If parking in the shade is not an option, using a windscreen sunshade can make a noticeable difference. It helps block out the sun to keep your dashboard and steering wheel cooler while reducing the overall temperature inside the vehicle.
Sunshades can be particularly useful when leaving your vehicle parked for extended periods of time during the day, such as during rest breaks at motorway stations.
3. Keep your seats covered
Car seats, especially leather ones, can become extremely hot after being left in the sun.
Using seat covers or even a light towel can help keep them cooler, making your journey more comfortable for you and any passengers if you carry them as part of your job.
Quick ways to cool down your vehicle
Even if you’ve taken preventative measures, your vehicle’s interior can still become uncomfortably warm on hot days. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to bring the temperature down quickly before you hit the road.
1. Fan the interior of your vehicle
Before setting off, open the windows on one side of your vehicle, then repeatedly open and close a door on the opposite side. This helps force the hot air out of the cabin and draws cooler air in. It may look strange to people passing by but is an effective way to cool down your vehicle fast!
2. Drive for a short period of time with the windows down
If you’re short for time (or worried about looking strange opening and closing your doors), drive with the windows open when you first set off to get the hot air out of your vehicle.
If your car doesn’t have air conditioning, keeping the windows open while driving is the best way to improve air flow and make the journey more comfortable, although it’s often worth partially closing them at higher speeds to reduce wind noise and drag.
3. Get the most from your air conditioning
If your vehicle has air conditioning, avoid blasting it at full power straight away. Instead, open the windows briefly to let the hottest air escape, then close them and switch the air conditioning to recirculation mode once the cabin begins to cool. This allows the system to chill the already cooler cabin air more efficiently.
Stay cool and drive safely!
Hot weather can make your working day more challenging, but by taking a few simple preventative steps and using our quick cooling techniques before setting off, you can keep your vehicle more comfortable and reduce the effects of heat-related fatigue for a safer journey.
Looking for professional driver insurance?
We offer a range of insurance products for professional drivers and motor traders across the UK including taxi insurance, fleet insurance and motor trade insurance. Visit our website to find out more or call us on 0333 015 6886 to get started on your quote today.
