With recent temperatures in the UK soaring above 33C and another heatwave on the way this week, it isn't just Brits that are overheating, it's their cars too.
This will be the UK's third heatwave this summer, with temperatures expected to rise to around the low 30s, according to the Met Office.
'This heatwave is expected to be longer lived and extend further north and west into a larger part of the UK than previously seen this summer,' Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly said. However, he noted that temperatures are unlikely to surpass those recorded during the UKs heatwave at the start of the month, which were in the mid 30s.
With high temperatures expected for the end of this week, vehicle experts are warning drivers to prepare for the heat to keep themselves, their cars, and their belongings safe.
Items To Remove From Your Car Before Heatwave
High temperatures can cause the inside of a parked car to become dangerously hot. Sunshine hitting car windows can increase the interior temperature by 50% within an hour.
While children and pets should obviously never be left in a hot car, experts from car-dealership Dick Lovett have outlined a number of personal items drivers should also remove during this week's heatwave.
Birth control is one important item drivers should take out of their cars before the heatwave hits. Most forms of hormonal birth controls need to be stored between 20C and 25C. Higher temperatures can cause the active ingredients to degrade and make the drug less effective.
It's a good idea for Brits to remove all medication from their cars this week, as many medicines such as insulin, antibiotics, and inhalers can lose their effectiveness if stored in hot temperatures.
Sunglasses and prescription glasses are also at risk of getting damaged when left out in a hot car. Lenses can break, plastic frames can warp and specialist coatings like antiglare can peel off. Dick Lovett recommends drivers to keep their glasses in a hard case out of direct sunlight, or remove them from the car entirely.
Vapes, powerbanks, and electronic devices could break or even explode if left out in direct sunlight on the dashboard or seat. In extreme heat, internal batteries can swell, leak and rupture. At the very least, leaving electronic devices in a hot vehicle can significantly decrease their battery life.
3 Tips For Taking Care of Your Car and Yourself In The Heat
As a driver, the most important thing to focus on is keeping yourself and your passengers safe.
MyFirst, an insurance company targeted towards young drivers, shared three crucial tips on their TikTok account for how drivers can take care of their car and keep themselves safe this summer.
Checking the car's engine and coolant is super important since high temperatures can cause coolant to evaporate, reducing its effectiveness and resulting in the engine overheating. Drivers are warned to only check the engine when it's cool to avoid risking serious damage to themselves.
Another part of the car drivers should check during the hot weather is the tyres. Hot temperatures mean hot roads, which causes high tyre pressure. Tyres wear a lot faster under these conditions, leading to poor braking and the potential for tyres to blow out. Drivers are advised to check their tyres pressure and tread depth, with 1.5ml being the legal minimum.
Finally, MyFirst recommends wearing appropriate footwear when driving. While the hot weather may make it tempting to drive in flip flops or sandals, loose, floppy shoes means less control for breaking and acceleration. Drivers should change into soft grippy shoes like sneakers before getting behind the wheel.
