Staying Safe on the Road in the Summer Heat: The Best Tips for Hot Days

August is one of the best months of the year for travel. Whether it’s a vacation, a day at the beach, or a family outing—many of us are spending more time on Austria’s roads right now. To help you reach your destination safely and stress-free even in high temperatures, we’ve put together some important tips for driving on hot summer days—and there’s a great AUSTROCARD giveaway waiting for you at the end of this blog post! 

1. Stay hydrated: High temperatures put a strain on the body. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and during long drives. Even mild dehydration can impair your concentration and reaction time.

2. Ventilate the car before driving: If a car sits in the sun for a long time, interior temperatures can rise above 60 degrees. Before setting off, open all doors or windows for a few minutes to let the heat escape.

3. Use the air conditioning properly: A comfortable interior temperature enhances driving comfort. However, do not set the air conditioning too cold. The difference between the interior and exterior temperatures should ideally not exceed 6 to 8 degrees.

4. Don’t forget sun protection: Sun visors help protect the interior—and especially children in the back seats—from direct sunlight. It’s also a good idea to wear sunglasses to avoid glare while driving.

5. Take breaks: Heat makes you tired. On longer trips, plan regular breaks to rest and get some fresh air. This boosts concentration and ensures greater safety on the road.

6. Never leave children or pets in the car: Even during a brief absence, a car can heat up to life-threatening levels within just a few minutes. Therefore, never leave children or pets alone in the car.

7. Vehicle check before your vacation: Before long drives, check your tire pressure, coolant, engine oil, and windshield washer fluid. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises on your trip.

To ensure you’re well protected on the road even on hot summer days, we’re giving away 5 sets of 2 Turmöl sun visors for your vehicle. 

Contest question: What should the temperature difference be when using the car’s air conditioning? You’ll find the answer in the blog post! 

Here’s how to enter the giveaway: Send your answer by email to gewinnspiel@orlen-austria.at* no later than August 31.

*By entering, you agree to the terms and conditions! Winners will be notified in writing after the giveaway ends. The prize cannot be redeemed for cash. The decision is final.

We wish you good luck and a safe drive through the summer!