Summer Vacation Driving Tips

“Road is not always the best choice,” says one well-known tire manufacturer.

Holidays are fun. For many of us, a vacation is a trip to the peace and quiet of a summer villa, a visit to a nearby city or the sea, or even a trip to another country. An experienced professional from a premium tire manufacturer gives us advice on how we can make your ride comfortable and safe.

An active approach and preparation contribute to a successful and enjoyable summer trip. Starting after a working week with a car full to the brim can affect the festive spirit, leaving everyone in the car tired and angry. Our expert product manager for cars recommends a calm approach.

“Time takes on a different meaning during a break. The highway is not always the best choice; driving on side roads can sometimes be the best idea. If you take your time and spend a little more time on small but scenic roads, you enjoy the ride and the summer more than when you drive on the highway,” he says.

If your schedule allows, it's also good to take breaks along the way. They have a separate and especially important purpose - refreshment. When traveling with children or young people, you can ask them to choose interesting places to stay.

 “If you had to stop somewhere along the way, where would the kids like to spend the day?” The Internet will certainly offer you good ideas,” advises the Expert.

Heat can drain batteries

It is good to service your car in advance, long enough before the trip. You will not be mistaken if you decide to check the status of the battery.

 “Hot weather can seriously drain the battery, and in addition, children usually use tablets, players and chargers,” says the Expert.

You must replace the air filter in the interior of your car every year and maintain the air conditioner at least once every two years. The driver, passengers and pets will appreciate the pleasant indoor temperature.

Check your tires before driving

It is a good idea to check tires for at least two things: the right pressure and sufficient tread depth. The tread depth is especially important in rainy summers. When it suddenly rains and the rain begins to flood the surface of the road, there is a risk that bad tires will not be able to push out a large amount of water, which can lead to aquaplaning. The safe car tire has a minimum tread of 4 millimeters.

You can check the pressure in the tires, for example, at the service station, gas station or in the tire shop. A holiday trip usually includes a car full of people and luggage, so you need to adjust the tires to full load. The correct pressure value can be found in the vehicle manual. Proper pressure reduces fuel consumption, extends tire life and makes driving safer.

Our Expert also shares with us the useful advice he learned from his grandfather: when you arrive, always leave your car on the street.

“That way, you can leave quickly if something happens where you are, and you need, for example, to go to the hospital.”

Summer Vacation List:

1. Book your car in advance
   Booking a service or viewing in time allows you to choose a time that is convenient for you. It is recommended that you plan to pay for the service or purchase of new tires for another month, and not for the same month as vacation costs. Vianor service centers, for example, offer installment payments.
2. Keep your tires safe
   Make sure the tire pressure is correct, including the spare tire. If you forget to tighten the bolts when changing tires, do it now. Also adjust the front and rear axles to prevent uneven or quick tire wear.
3. Clean inside and out
   Take out all unnecessary things and clean the car both inside and out. Make sure there are no cracks in the windshield stones that need to be repaired. The best way to clean the inside of your windshield is to use a mild detergent and a microfiber cloth. External insects must be quickly removed before the sun can hit them and stick them to the glass.
4. Get ready for the unexpected
   In order to be prepared for emergencies, you must have an emergency kit, drinking water and an additional external charger for your mobile phone. It is also a good idea to download the 112 application to your phone before you hit the road.
5. Stay alert while driving.
   After the break, always check if all passengers are in the car and if personal items such as mobile phones, wallets and sunglasses are missing. If possible, drivers may change from time to time.