However, what most drivers fail to appreciate is the effect the sunshine has on the road surface. Without getting overly technical the road surface works at its best when the stones enclosed in the bitumen stick out above the surface allowing the tyres to get a grip. In hot weather the bitumen warms up and the stones sink down leaving a slick sticky surface which effects grip whilst warm, but as the evening cools down the surface solidifies and becomes as smooth as glass and makes driving treacherous.

When warm vehicles experience an effect known as bitu-planing, it is similar to aqua-planing, but occurs in warm dry weather.

My advice is to be aware of your vehicles road handling and look at the road you are travelling along and be careful.

Nigel Grainger
Senior Consultant

Fleet Risk Consultants

Are the roads up to the job?