Summer meets Europe with full heat, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees in many places. Did you know it is better not to refuel completely in the heat? Today’s article covers this and more of what drivers should be aware of in these weather conditions.

Electric vehicles in summer

Geotab published data and facts on electric vehicles in the summer. We have selected a particularly interesting aspect for you: the optimal external temperature for an electric vehicle is exactly 21.5 degrees. The ideal range will be reached at precisely this temperature – this is usually even higher than the manufacturer has indicated. The hot temperatures in the summer may affect battery performance, according to Geotab, but not in a similar proportion to cold. If you want to get through the summer electrically well, it is best to leave your electric vehicle on the charger when not in use. This allows the battery temperature to be maintained in the optimum range and the battery capacity is not overused.

Refueled and off?

It “clicks” and the tank is full. Automatic fueling shutdown is helpful and should be used especially in summer. Those who like to press the tap one or two more times should leave it be at high temperatures. Because a tank that is too full can pose a risk to car paint and the environment. In the heat, liquids expand, including fuel. The fuel could overflow at high outside temperatures and, above all, harm the environment.

Heat from inside and below

Under the hood, there is obviously even greater heat than the high outside temperatures. Be extra carful when opening the hood with bare hands after the engine has been running. In intense sunlight, it quickly exceeds 100 degrees under the hood. Heat can accumulate not only in the interior and engine areas of the vehicles, but also there are a few important points for drivers to consider when it comes to tires. Winter tires can be driven year-round, but they become too soft when exposed to hot asphalt. Wear increases, and stopping distance may increase as a result, resulting in an increased risk of accidents. So remember to change tires in time, the rule of thumb is “E to O”: from Easter to October.

Do not leave certain items in the vehicle

If you have ever sat in a vehicle in the summer without a running air conditioner, you know the temperature changes very quickly. This can be dangerous and even fatal for people and animals. This can also damage technical equipment left behind in the vehicle. What most people don’t know is that credit cards can be damaged in the heat. So better to pack the wallet and all the technical devices in the bag when you get out.

Catalyst fire hazard

Our experts also recommend choosing a parking spot carefully at high temperatures, especially if you are going to a lake. Forest fires spread rapidly in extended hot temperatures. Meadows exposed to the sun for days should not be used as parking spaces. Because, on dry grassy surfaces, a hot engine can cause a fire. It is best to find a shaded parking area on asphalt, gravel, or sand. So if your fleet is more likely to park in grassy areas in the summer, suggest they find a different location to reduce the risk of a fire.

We wish all riders a cool head and a good ride through the summer heat.