Driving in the Sun

Being out and about in the sunshine is something that most of us enjoy, but if you're on holiday in a sunny location and decide to hire a car, remember that driving in the sun isn't always easy.

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for good reason. Locations such as Miami, Orlando, Tampa and the Florida Keys offer days filled with bright sunlight.

Spain is another very popular country to visit for a burst of sunshine. Hiring a car during your holiday provides flexibility and freedom, but when driving around popular destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Majorca or the Canary Islands, you will need to be prepared for a hot and possibly dazzling journey.

Here are a few pointers to ensure that you have a safe journey when driving your hire car in the sun:

• Warm weather can be very relaxing, but remember to stay alert.
• Keep a good pair of tinted driving glasses in your hire car and use them to combat glare, which can reflect off anything, including your hire car's bonnet or nearby buildings.
• Use your hire car's visor to help to block out the sun.
• If your hire car has air conditioning, put it on and keep the windows closed. Staying comfortable will help your concentration. If you start to feel faint or get a headache, pull over to cool down and take a break. Keep an eye on your hire car's temperature gauge, and be aware if the engine starts to overheat.
• Make sure that you have water with you, and keep yourself hydrated. Check that the radiator has sufficient water before starting your trip, and carry spare water in your hire car in case of emergencies.
• Bright sunlight can momentarily blind you, so drive your hire car at a reasonable speed.
• Hot weather may make tarmac tacky and difficult, and even greasy.
• Make sure that the windows and mirrors of your hire car are spotless, and keep maps and papers off the dashboard to avoid reflections in your window.
• Don't think that because you are in a car you are safe from sunburn - always wear sunscreen. Driving your hire car when you are burnt and itchy is not going to help your concentration.
• Remember that tempers can become short in hot weather. Avoid confrontations; just ignore any provocations and stay calm.