Car holidays: what to look for?

For many companies, a company car is included in fringe benefits, so it is used not only for work but also for private purposes. This is especially true during the summer holidays when employees feel safer starting with regularly serviced company vehicles. However, heat, congested roads and the resulting irritability and impaired concentration ability increase the risk of accidents. According to Arval Fleet Operator, some basic precautions can be taken to avoid dangerous situations, but responsible driving is the basis for drivers to be aware of the features and capabilities of their cars.

August is traditionally the holiday season in Hungary, so on Thursday and Friday, the roads leading out of the towns are full. This also increases the likelihood of accidents, as drivers' ability to concentrate is negatively affected by heat and, moreover, because of their weight, they become more impatient. According to Arval experts, the essential prerequisites for safe travel include a regularly serviced, well-maintained vehicle and a good driver attitude and knowledge of the car's features. "Driver safety is important to us, and we also want to promote driver training tailored to the needs of our customers, where participants can learn the basics of dealing with extreme situations and learn how to reduce the environmental burden of using a car," says Kristóf Kovách, Director of Sales. "However, there are general tips that everyone should take, whether you are driving a business or your car."

If the mandatory service falls on your vacation, bring it forward and have the car checked before you set off. This also avoids the loss of warranty.

Before driving off, check the chassis for technical condition, as too soft or worn tires can extend the braking distance. After summer showers, the roads can be slippery, and in hot weather, we can get defects more easily. It is also important to check the tire pressure, which should not forget the spare wheel. Do not leave the hoist, wheel keys or wheel guard at home.

Don't forget the supply of coolant, engine oil, and windscreen washer fluid as well, always check the fluid level before traveling.

It is important that all vehicle safety equipment (first aid kit, visibility safety vest) is in place and that lighting and light signaling devices are operating properly.

Clean the air conditioner and make sure the windows are properly shielded.

Don't leave any of your travel documents at home: make sure you have your license, car registration and valid technical license, green insurance card, and international accident report form before you leave. We also have assistance telephone numbers for assistance.

Plan to protect yourself from the heat and unnecessary stress!

We plan your trip ahead of time to avoid wasting time and unnecessary stress. We must know the rules of the countries involved in our journey, especially regarding speed limits and tolls. The important information is usually available tomorrow at the Hungarian Consulate of the country in question.

Think about how much you refuel and if you have a fuel card, pay attention to its limits.

Wear sunglasses in the car, but not too dark to always see the dashboard.

Always have at least 3-4 bottles of carbonated mineral water in your car, which may come in handy for plugging, washing your hands, or if your car breaks down; but in the final case, it is also suitable for minimal cooling water. At the same time, you should always be careful of your fluid intake while driving.

Do not overdo it, take a few hours rest and, if possible, change each other behind the wheel. For night trips, it is good to have someone who stays awake next to the driver and can alert you to signs of fatigue. The driver usually does not detect when he falls asleep.

Keep a longer tracking distance because, in the high heat, we are more tired, inattentive, and have less reaction time.