Although summer road trips are a lot of fun, hot weather can bring its own risks, especially when you’re in a hire car you don’t know well, and you’re driving. Heat can increase the chance of tyre problems, overheating, and tiredness behind the wheel. Add busy roads and long journeys and you’ll understand why it’s important to do some prep before you set off.
This guide is for anyone hiring a car in summer. It covers quick checks to make to your rental car, what to pack, as well as simple driving tups to help you reduce common summer risks and the importance of car rental excess insurance.
Ask yourself ‘Is this journey essential?’
Heat can make long drives harder on both you and the car. If you’re travelling during the hottest part of the day, ask yourself if you can leave earlier, travel later, or split the trip with a stop. A small change in timing can make the drive calmer and reduce strain on the vehicle.
If you do need to travel, aim to prepare the car and the people in it. Summer delays can happen, often due to heavy traffic, breakdowns, or road closure.
Essential Summer Rental Car Checks
Rental fleets are usually well maintained, but it’s still smart to do a quick check at pickup. It helps you avoid preventable issues on the road and can reduce the chance of damage that leads to expensive excess charges.
1. Tyres (pressure, condition & tread)
Hot roads and long motorways can expose weak tyres. Before you set off:
If you’re not sure how to check tyre pressure with the equipment provided, ask the rental desk to confirm the correct pressures for that vehicle.
2. Fluids and temperature warning lights
In hotter weather, engines can run warner, especially in slow traffic or on steep routes.
If the car shows any warning lights at pickup, flag it straight away and get it logged.
3. Air conditioning and demisting
The air con isn’t just for comfort. In heat, it helps driver alertness. It can also help clear misted windows and sudden summer rain.
If the air con is weak, it’s better to swap cars early than suffer through a long drive to wherever you’re going.
4. Lights and visibility
Bright sunlight, glare and sudden storms can all affect visibility.
Good visibility reduces stress, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar car in an unfamiliar country.
5. Fuel (or charging plan)
If you’re driving long distances, don’t leave fuel or charging to chance.
Traffic queues and detours can use up more fuel than you expect.
Summer Car Kit Checklist
Now that you’re sure the car is ready to tackle winter driving conditions, you can start to think about what to pack. To be prepared for delays, breakdowns or emergencies, consider packing the following:
Summer essentials
Helpful extras for a hire car
Some of these items may be provided by the rental company so it’s always worth asking at pickup.
Summer Driving Tips
Plan your route
before setting off, take a few minutes to plan your route and think about when you’ll be driving. Summer traffic can be heavy around tourist hotspots, city centres and border crossing so allowing extra time when you know you’re heading to busier places can help reduce stress.
For longer journeys, it’s sensible to plan rest stops in advance rather than trying to push through in one go.
Stay cool and alert
Driving in hot weather can be tiring particularly if you’re not used to the vehicle. Keep the cabin comfortably cool, drink water regularly and take breaks as soon as you feel your concentration dipping. Even mild dehydration or fatigue can slow you reactions, so don’t underestimate the impact of heat on your driving.
Drive smoothly on hot roads
High temperatures can affect road surfaces and vehicle performance. Leaving a larger gap to the car in front, braking earlier and accelerating gently can all help maintain control. Smooth steering and steady speeds are especially important when you’re driving in an unfamiliar hire car.
Watch out for seasonal hazards
Summer can mean more pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes on the road, particularly in holiday destinations. Stay alert in busy areas and expect sudden stops or unexpected manoeuvres from others.
Sudden summer storms can also reduce visibility and grip quickly, so slow down early if conditions change.
Know what to do if the car overheats
Overheating is one of the biggest summer worries and it’s also one of the easiest to handle well if you act early.
1. Turn off the air con
If you notice the temperature rising and you’re in slow traffic then turn the air con off.
2. Pull over safely
Do this as soon as you can once a temperature warning appears.
3. Switch off the engine
This will allow the car to start to cool down.
4. Call the rental provider
Use the breakdown number that should be included in the rental agreement and follow their advice.
Avoid trying to ‘push through’ to the next town if the warning is serious. And don’t open any hot fluid caps if you’re not trained to do so. Keeping it simple and calling the rental company is usually the safest option.
Car Rental Excess Insurance
When you rent a car, the cover included in the rental price often leaves you responsible for a large excess. This is the amount you could be charged if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. A standalone car hire excess insurance policy is designed to reimburse eligible charges back to you, so you’re not left out of pocket.
In summer, when the roads are busier, damage is more likely – whether it’s tyre damage, windscreen chips or accidental knocks in busy car parks.
FAQs
Yes. Even a well maintained car can have issues. A quick check of tyres, lights, wipers and air con can help prevent a stressful breakdown later.
Water, sunglasses, a phone charger, snacks and a basic first aid kit are a good start. Add sun cream and a hat if you’re expecting strong sun.
Warning lights or a rising temperature are the clearest signs. If you see them, pull over safely and contact the rental provider for advice.
If you want to reduce your financial risk from accidental damage charges, it can be helpful. Summer driving often means busier car parks, longer drives and more chance of minor damage.
Summer driving is meant to feel easy. A few checks, a simple kit, and a calmer plan can make a huge difference, especially in a hire car abroad.
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