No snowfall, long, bright evenings and no slippery leaves on the asphalt - driving is particularly fun in summer. But there are also special challenges in the hot season.
SP-X / Cologne. Summer heat can be tolerated on the beach or in the outdoor pool. You don't really like to be behind the wheel. If you do it anyway, you should know a few rules and tricks.
Get the car cool quickly
Even if you have air conditioning, you should first ventilate a heated car with the doors and windows open before starting your journey. Only then will the system be switched on, initially with circulating air. The car cools down faster, as no hot air is supplied from outside. The air outlet nozzles should only be directed towards clad parts of the body. If the air, which is up to four degrees cold, hits bare skin directly, there is a risk of colds and muscle strains. In general, the difference between the inside and outside temperature should not be too great. Otherwise there is a risk of heat shock when getting out. Experts advise a maximum of six degrees difference.
Wear the right sunglasses
Not everything that looks good on the nose is suitable for driving. The best are brown, gray and gray-green glasses, while blue glasses water down the perception of the colors red and yellow. The degree of tint is also important. Drivers must pay attention to the so-called anti-glare levels: levels 0 to 92 are ok at the wheel - they absorb up to XNUMX percent of the light. Even darker glasses - such as those worn by mountaineering glasses - are not suitable for road traffic. The following applies to the fit: The glasses should fit as close as possible to the forehead and nose and have wide temples to prevent stray light.
Do not fill up:
In extreme heat, you should refrain from filling up your vehicle. Because at high outside temperatures, gasoline and diesel expand. If the tank is filled to the brim, it threatens to overflow. This increases the risk of fire. If the fuel escapes from the tank cap, it can also damage the paintwork, which is accelerated by strong sunlight. Fuel nozzles have an automatic switch-off, which should prevent the tank from overfilling. But especially before long journeys or when fuel prices are briefly low, many drivers continue to refill.
Do not park on dry meadows:
Parking in meadows, in forests or in the harvested fields of late summer is not a good idea, especially if the drought persists. Hot catalytic converters and exhaust systems can quickly start fires there, because the components develop temperatures of more than 600 degrees Celsius after a short drive. Although motor vehicle liability assumes damage to third-party vehicles, comprehensive insurance can reduce the cost of own car costs with reference to gross negligence. In addition, the fire brigade can also invoice the use
Watch out for heat damage:
Not only does frost freeze roads, the heat also creates problems. The so-called blowups on concrete highways are particularly spectacular and dangerous. If it suddenly gets hot and the heat lasts for several days, the inflexible roadway can bulge and burst. Around 30 percent of German motorways have a concrete surface - recognizable by their lighter appearance compared to asphalt. Motorists should drive with particular care on such routes; motorcyclists should avoid them completely. There is no risk of blow-up on asphalt roads. However, the soft tar can deform there when it is hot, causing deep ruts. During a summer thunderstorm there is an increased risk of aquaplaning.
Drink enough:
Even those who sit in an air-conditioned car and do not sweat should drink a lot in summer. Because the system draws moisture from the air, so that mucous membranes in the nose and eyes dry out. A lack of fluids leads to headaches and poor concentration, which increases the risk of accidents. Experts recommend mineral-rich mineral water for drivers, which in addition to the liquid also supplies important minerals and trace elements. Sweet lemonades are not recommended. The sugar provides energy in the short term, but afterwards it drops body and mind into a performance hole.
Choose the right clothes:
Light clothing makes it easier to endure the summer heat while driving. If you want, you can also sit in a car in a bikini or swimming trunks, but if you drive completely naked or as a topless woman, you risk an announcement due to the excitement of public annoyance. In addition, largely undressed driving is not pleasant, especially in cars with leather seats: the upholstery heats up extremely in the sun, making skin contact painful. When sitting, an unpleasant sweat film forms between the leather and skin. The following also applies to footwear: Not everything that is allowed also makes sense. Flip-flops or bare feet are not prohibited, but they are still not safe to drive - for example in the event of sudden braking maneuvers. If an accident occurs, you may face a fine, and the insurance company can also cause trouble.
Use sun protection when parking:
If you park your car in the blazing sun, you must not only expect hot air and glowing seat belts, but in extreme cases also damage to electronics. The components are designed for temperatures between minus 40 and plus 85 degrees - a value that can be achieved in midsummer. Due to the thermal expansion and subsequent cooling in the wind, hairline cracks can form in the circuit boards. Then there is a risk of failure of control units and the vehicle stopping. If you don't find a parking space in the shade, you should at least put a sunshade behind the windshield that reflects the sun's rays and keeps the fittings and steering wheel cool. If you take children with you in the car, you should also cover the rear windows so that the child seats do not get too hot.
Do not leave children or dogs in the car:
In the summer sunshine, the car quickly becomes an incubator. With an outside temperature of 30 degrees, the interior is almost 60 degrees after just 60 minutes. But already 15 minutes in the blazing sun can heat up a car so much that the occupants suffer a circulatory collapse. This also applies if the car is parked in the shade. Children waiting in the car can quickly experience a heat shock or even stop breathing. This is even faster with animals. Because they heat up faster than people, a gentle draft through open windows does not help them. If there is a danger to the occupants, the police or fire service may open the vehicle by force. If people who cannot help themselves are injured in the overheated car, the driver faces criminal prosecution for negligent bodily harm.