Nearly 4.4 million motorists fail to take extra precautions when driving in an extreme heatwave, according to research from car insurance provider 1st Central.
England is struggling to stay cool as this week has been the hottest in about 100 years, with todays temperature reaching 34 degrees celsius.
Drivers are encouraged to be more prepared in this heat and take extra care. Find out some top tips here:
Motorists forget to check the simplest things in a heatwave.
Car Batteries
Around four fifths of drivers do not check their car batteries in the heat, despite the high risks of the batteries acid corroding the plates of the car.
Even when drivers believe they are being more cautious with their batteries, 49% of drivers admitted that they park in the shade to stay cool, forgetting the sun will move throughout the day.
Have you checked your Engine Liquids? (Photo by: Robert Couse-Baker)
Check your oil!
Another concern is that 69% of motorists are neglecting to check their oil levels and help their car keep cool during this heatwave.
Engine fluids like oil and coolant are essential to help keep your car cool.
It may be nice weather, but do you have any chips or cracks on your windscreen?
Chips and cracks
If your windscreen has any chips or cracks, direct sunlight and heat could cause the glass to expand or contract and fracture the windscreen further.
You may breakout a sweat when you enter your car…
The unbearable heat in your car
As your car will be exposed to sunlight, inside the vehicle the heat could become intense.
Sunshades can prevent the steering wheel, passenger seats and people in the vehicle from becoming too hot.
Of course, you also shouldn’t leave your children or pets in the car – even for a short time. If they were to faint or feel unwell from the heat, you need to be ready to help them.
Always be prepared on your journeys
Pack well
To stay refreshed, beverages and cool treats can help a long car journey become a little more tolerable. Keep these stocked in your car so it’s easily accessible, rather than storing it in your boot.
If possible, cool boxes can help keep whatever drinks or snacks cool, and are recommended for long journeys in this weather. Even pack emergency kits if you can.
“Many drivers are aware that they should take extra precautions in the winter but fail to do the same in extreme heat.” says Andy James, the UK CEO at 1st Central
“By practising our tips, motorists can reduce the risk of breaking down or having an accident, and simply get on with what matters.”
Whilst today the UK can see temperature of 34 degrees celsius, heavy rain and thunder is expected for Friday 27th July.
