Cars

Driving in warm weather

Posted on July 25, 2019 at 10:51 pm

Most drivers are aware that seasonal conditions are responsible for having to adapt their driving styles and most people presume this is merely for wintery conditions however this is not the case.

Driving in the summer months particularly in hot weather, temperatures over about 23 degrees can cause an increase in stopping distance for your car. This is due to issues with adhesion to the road surface in a similar way to if the road has lots of rain on it or ice. As the road surface and tyres heat up the surface becomes softer also giving the road a more spongy quality.

A sign that this is causing issues would be if you see your traction control light coming on or if you feel the car juddering or slipping as you corner particularly.

The most effective way to deal with this like with difficult winter road conditions is to slow down to allow an improvement in stopping distance and ensure that your tyres are in a good condition and suitable for the car, the load and the conditions.

If you are at all unsure always get your tyres checked at a reputable garage or tyre and wheel centre.

Posted in Cars