Top 10 Tips for Driving in the Summer Heat in Montreal

Summers in Montreal are a vibe, with sunny days, terraces, and festivals sparking up the city. But when the temperature rises, driving in the sweltering heat can be… less than agreeable. The heat can hurt concentration and patience. And we certainly would not want these factors to come into play while we’re driving, right?

At Desire Driving School, our number one priority is your well-being and building your confidence on the road in every season of the year. To help you get started, we’ve prepared a list of ten simple tricks that will help you have a relaxing and safe driving experience, even when it’s very hot outside!

Prepare Your Car Before Heading Out

Even before you start your car, take a couple of minutes to check the coolant and oil levels in your car. This simple check is essential to preventing your motor from overheating, especially in heavy traffic or on long drives. 

So, how do you check these levels? For the coolant, look for a plastic reservoir under the hood, usually close to the radiator. You will see “MIN” and “MAX” markings on it. Ensure that the level of the coolant is between these markers when the motor is cool which is typically when it’s been off for a few hours. For the car oil, the motor should be cool and the car on a flat surface. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace it completely, then pull it out again to read the level. It should be between the two marks.

A simple check can save you a lot of trouble!

Check your tires!

When it's hot, the air in your tires works harder, increasing the pressure. Check the pressure in your tires regularly before you set off when they are “cold”, meaning they haven’t been driven recently, ideally for at least three hours. Make sure they're properly inflated, as this will give you a better grip on hot asphalt and a greater sense of safety.

To check the pressure, you'll need a gauge (a small tool you can buy at the hardware store or find at most service stations).  Every car must maintain a specific tire pressure, usually indicated on a label in the driver's side door, glove compartment, engine compartment or in the owner's manual.

1. Attach the pressure gauge to the tire valve.

2. Look at the indicated pressure.

3. Compare it with the recommended pressure for your car.

4. If the pressure is too low, increase the air volume. If it's too high, relieve it slightly.

Don't forget to check the tread wear (the grooves in the tire) as well as the pressure. If your tire grooves are not deep enough or if you notice any cracks, you may need to replace them. This will ensure not only your safety, but also that of other road users, as well as ensuring you have sufficient grip on the road.

Set your car's interior temperature the smart way

If your car has been in the sun for an entire day, open all the windows for a few minutes before starting it. This will allow the hot air to dissipate quickly. You can then turn on the air conditioning. This will make the air conditioning more efficient and prevent you from getting a sudden blast of cold air when you get into the car. What's more, being comfortable helps you stay focused.

What temperature is ideal? There's no such thing as the ideal temperature for everyone, since comfort is unique to each individual. However, specialists generally recommend setting the interior temperature between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Why this range? 

While a very large temperature difference between inside and outside can feel jarring, setting the air conditioning too low (e.g., 18°C) forces the system to work much harder, consuming more fuel and wearing out components faster. Aiming for a moderate difference helps your body adjust more comfortably when you exit the car.

Start with a moderate temperature (around 24-25°C) and adjust slightly if necessary. Once the cabin is cool, you can also use the air recirculation mode (often a button with an arrow circling inside a car). This mode recycles the already cooled air from inside, making it easier to keep cool and saving energy.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

That's rule number one! When your body is slightly dehydrated, you become less alert and find it harder to concentrate. To avoid this, remember to take a bottle of water with you in your car and drink regularly, even if you're not thirsty. Water is your best ally in keeping your mind clear and on top form at the wheel.

Stay calm!

Montreal's traffic jams, exacerbated by the heat wave and roadworks, can quickly erode our tolerance. The heat can make us a little more irritable and impatient. Watch out for the warning signs. Take a deep breath and remember that safety comes first. Don't let impatience distract you, and stay calm to make the right decisions on the road.

Watch out for the sun's reflection

The summer sun is gorgeous, but it can become very strong, especially in the morning and at the end of the day. In turn, this can make road visibility difficult. For this reason, we recommend wearing quality sunglasses to improve your vision and protect your eyes.

Keep a larger following distance

When the road surface is excessively hot, it can affect your vehicle's braking performance. What's more, in the heat, other people behind the wheel may be a little less alert. So give yourself extra distance from the car in front. This will give you more time to react in the event of an unexpected situation, which will contribute to your safety.

Manage construction sites without stress

In Montreal, summer is the construction season with orange cones lining the roads. They can be stressful, with road restrictions and unexpected detours. The key? Anticipate slowdowns, scrupulously follow the signs, and, above all, keep your cool. Driving calmly in work zones will enable you to maneuver more effectively and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Plan your driving breaks

When travelling long distances, it's crucial to plan frequent breaks, especially during the hottest periods of the day. This not only takes the strain off your body, but also prevents excessive fatigue. Use these moments to stretch your arms and legs, find some shade or air-conditioned rest stops, and, of course, drink plenty of water. Getting back on the road after an invigorating break will help you maintain your energy levels and concentration.

Protect Your Parked Car

Even when your car is parked, the harmful effects of the sun can be detrimental. Install a sunshade to prevent the sun's rays from entering the cabin. This simple measure will considerably lower the interior temperature when you get in your vehicle, while protecting the dashboard and seats from the effects of the sun's rays.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to cope with the summer heat and get the most out of your travels in Montreal. Driving can be fun, even in the middle of summer, if you're well prepared and have the right frame of mind! At Desire Driving School, we don't just teach you the rules; we help you develop your confidence and become a seasoned driver!