As temperatures rise and UK roads get busier with summer travel, it’s important for fleet managers to reassess how well-prepared their vehicles and drivers really are for the warmer months ahead.
This is especially critical as more often than not, winter tends to get the lion’s share of attention when it comes to vehicle preparation, meaning summer is commonly overlooked even though it brings its own set of unique challenges.
Overheating engines and flat or failing batteries, for example, are amongst the most common summer related vehicle issues as reported by the UK government, shortly followed by tyre and air conditioning failure, as well as an increased risk of fire in electric vehicles (EVs). In fact, the data also reveals that vehicle breakdowns can increase by up to 20% during periods of extreme heat, largely due to a combination of high engine strain and poor vehicle maintenance.
For fleet operators, this can lead to unnecessary delays, increased maintenance costs and potentially unhappy customers, not to mention having their vehicles off road for lengthy periods of time whilst being repaired. Because of this, it’s important that any summertime driving is planned with careful preparation, and fleet managers should always be aware of what accidents (no matter how hard they try to prevent them) can always happen.
But what exactly are these heat-related threats, and how can small steps be taken to mitigate them?
Let’s take a closer look.
Step 1: Prioritise vehicle cooling systems and fluids
As the number one most preventable summertime breakdown cause, the risks of overheated engines can be lessened by ensuring your fleet’s cooling systems are checked and topped up regularly, ideally as part of a seasonal maintenance checklist
As well as this, batteries also need close attention too. This is because whilst cold can reduce charge, heat can accelerate fluid evaporation and internal corrosion – something which is often forgotten when it comes to summer vehicle prep.
As such, regular voltage checks and battery inspections can help to reduce the chance of summer-related battery failure, and ensure the vehicle is performing at its highest potential without the risk of losing power unexpectedly.
Step 2: Check tyre pressures often
According to TyreSafe, under-inflated or over-inflated tyres are a factor in over 500 road casualties a year in the UK, and it’s much more common during the summer because heat can cause air to expand, meaning tyres can become overinflated during summer and increase the risk of a blowout.
This is however an area where simple preventative maintenance can have a big impact. For example, by training all fleet drivers to check tyre pressures more frequently during hot spells or checking vehicles carrying different loads to ensure they’re adjusted correctly, accidents can be prevented, and tyre maintenance can be kept optimal.
Step 3: Prepare for EV safety in hot weather
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in fleets due to their environmental benefits and lower running costs, but they also bring with them a new set of safety considerations, particularly in high temperatures.
Whilst EV battery related issues are commonly discussed, one of the lesser known risks is thermal runaway – an uncontrollable rise in battery temperature which occurs in certain lithium-ion batteries.
This, combined with the extreme heat of summer can also increase the likelihood of fires for EVs, which is why more fleet operators and service providers are turning to tools such EV cool tubs to reduce the chance of re-ignition and cool the battery safely.
Step 4: Train drivers for summer-ready road awareness
No matter what, drivers are the biggest assets to a fleet operator and arming them with seasonal knowledge can go a long way.
To help, summertime driver awareness programmes should include items such as:
- How to spot signs of overheating
- What to do in the event of a vehicle fire
- The importance of hydration and breaks, such as fatigue-related accidents increase in heat
- Managing glare and using air conditioning effectively
- And adjusting stopping distances on hotter road surfaces
All of which can significantly reduce the risk of incidents, keep your drivers safe and ensure your fleet continues to run smoothly during the busiest months of the year.
Step 5: Partner with a recovery provider that plans ahead
Having the right support in place before something goes wrong is just as important as preventative maintenance, which is why working with a recovery partner who can respond quickly, adapt to seasonal risks, and minimise downtime is vital.
This is where Egertons comes in.
With a nationwide recovery network built for rapid response and specialist fleet services tailored to support the complex needs of modern fleet operators, we’re equipped to help you stay operational and compliant – no matter what summer throws your way.
To help make this all possible, our fleet of over 300 vehicles are ready and waiting to attend any breakdown site at anywhere, at any time, and we’re also proud to say that this fleet includes the innovative First Mover vehicle – a purpose-built recovery unit capable of moving burning or hazardous vehicles including EVs, to a safer location – and is especially critical during the summer months when elevated temperatures, longer journey times and heavier vehicle loads increase the risk of vehicle fires or heat-related failures.
Having access to this level of specialist response equipment gives operators greater peace of mind in knowing that if a critical incident does occur, Egertons can provide fast, expert assistance to protect not just the vehicle and driver, but the wider public and road infrastructure too.
Plus, our team are also fully trained in the safe management and transport of high-voltage EVs, and we’re continuously reviewing best practice to adapt to evolving fleet needs and industry standards.
In other words, if you’re looking for a recovery partner that can deliver proactive planning, innovative solutions, and unrivalled support throughout the summer and beyond – Egertons is ready to help, right when you need us most.