The five summer driving tips you need to know before hitting the road

Summer is here and the sun doesn’t seem to be messing around, does it? Whether you’re down in Andalucía or just popping out for a drive along the coast, that burning Spanish sunshine changes everything about being on the road.

Drink plenty of water, stay in the shade and avoid going out when it is scorching hot. What about when you are driving? There’s more to it than simply blasting the AC.

When temperatures reach the mid-30s, we all feel it. But here’s what a lot of people don’t realise: hot weather doesn’t just make you a bit sweaty and grumpy behind the wheel—it can really Your concentration and reaction time will be affected. According to Spain’s own traffic officials, the DGT, the accident risk can jump up to 20% during a hot spell. It’s all there: fatigue, dehydration, and slower reactions. You might miss something crucial in a split of a second.

So how can you maintain your cool both literally and metaphorically when you are miles ahead? Here are some real-world tips that actually work—no faff, no fuss.

How to prepare for hot weather driving like a professional

Do not even bother to start. Think about it You should not leave your car in the sun to bake.
You’ll know what it feels like to step into a car parked in extreme heat. It’s almost like walking into a mobile sauna. You can park your car in the shade if possible, or you can use a sunshade to keep the heat out. Just remember to lock your car properly. If you can give your car a quick rinse with cold water before you go, even better—it’ll cool down the bodywork a touch.

Avoid the midday sun when driving in summer

Even if you have plans, it is best to avoid driving in the middle hours of the day unless there’s an urgent need. It is cooler to drive in the early morning or just after sunset.
Your engine will thank you for it, as will your passengers. This is especially true for children or anyone else who may get a little cranky when the temperature rises.

Simple tricks to keep your car cool during summer

Let’s talk about air-conditioning: you can’t just crank it up and hope for the best. Most experts say the sweet spot is between 21 and 23°C. You want the air to circulate—don’t just blast cold air in your face and leave the back seats sweltering. Before you leave, open your windows to let out the worst heat. Then use your fans in a sensible way. And for heaven’s sake, keep a bottle of water handy—sip, don’t gulp.

Keep your eyes on the road, and on your sunglasses

Glare can be a real problem. Invest in some decent sunglasses that block UV rays, and not just because they look cool. If you wear the right sunglasses, you are less likely to be dazzled when you emerge from a tunnel.

Take breaks when you mean them

It’s a LifesaverDon’t be the hero. Stop every 200km or two hours. Get out and stretch your legs. Cool down. Stop if you begin to feel tired, dizzy, or off. You’re better off late than not at all, right?

You need to look after yourself You can also contact us by clicking here. too. Even a short drive in the heat can sap your energy.
Take it easy and listen to your body.

Final tip: there’s no medal for getting there first—just make sure you get there safe and sound.

Let the sun warm you up, but not your stress level.