Let’s face it, getting into a vehicle on a hot summer’s day is never pleasant until the air conditioning kicks in. But did you know that summer heat can pose some risks to your commercial vehicles as well? To help you keep your vehicles, employees and customers safe when operating commercial vehicles, we’ve compiled some tips from the AA and AXA below:

Ongoing maintenance / Before you set off

Regularly check tyre condition and pressure – If your tyres at the wrong pressure or are damaged, the heat can quickly make the problem worse.

Check your coolant levels – Your cooling system is working extra hard in the heat, so it’s important to ensure your coolant levels are regularly topped up.

Keep your vehicles clean – Glare from the sun can be distracting and reduce visibility. To help reduce this, ensure to keep your windscreen clean and replace worn wipers.

On the road

Stick to temporary speed limits – While it can be tempting to ignore temporary speed limits if other drivers are doing the same, they’re there for a reason. To avoid cracked headlamps and chipped paintwork from wayward tar and debris, keep to the limits.

Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists – The summer months attract more pedestrians and cyclists on country roads, and it’s important to remain vigilant. Ensure your drivers are fully up-to-date on the latest guidelines and rules so they can react to vulnerable road users.

Keep cool – Cars can get very hot, even when you’re driving. Make sure your vehicles have working air conditioning and drivers have access to water.

Wind up your windows – When it gets hot, many roll down their windows to let in some natural breeze. Just remember to wind them back up again when you leave the vehicle as otherwise, it’s vulnerable to thieves. Don’t forget any sunroofs!

Plan your journeys in electric vehicles - If you drive an electric vehicle, be mindful that your battery won’t be as efficient in warm weather, so won’t go as far in one charge. It might take longer to charge too. Leave plenty of time to charge before you set off and make sure you plan top-ups en route, if required.

Did you know?

We offer driver training and vehicle awareness sessions for businesses. Get in touch to find out more.

How commercial motor insurance can protect against accidents

It’s important to have the right commercial vehicle insurance in place, so you’re protected if the worst happens. This will help to protect your vehicle against a wide range of risks, including accidents, damage, fire and theft. If you manage multiple vehicles, we can arrange fleet insurance which will cover all your commercial vehicles under one policy, saving you time and paperwork – and giving you one renewal date.

At Towergate, we offer cover for a wide range of commercial vehicles. To find out more, get in touch with your local team.

Sources: A guide for safe summer driving | The AA

Keeping your car safe during a heatwave | AXA UK

Consistent with our policy when giving comments and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.