As the Met Office predicts
heatwave temperatures into the start of next week, The AA is
advising drivers to be well prepared before setting off for
journeys.
The highest temperatures are expected in parts of central, east
and southeast England and are expected to peak on Monday at over
30°C.
With the temperatures predicted, the inside temperature of a car
could exceed an oven-like 60°C so it's important not to leave
pets or children in the car unattended even for short periods of
time.
Setting off as early in the morning as possible can reduce the
chances of your engine overheating as the air temperature is
reduced at this time of the day. Road surfaces are also likely to
be cooler – meaning that your car's tyres are less likely to
reach temperatures high enough for pressures to increase and
cause blowouts.
During hot weather make sure you carry enough water to keep
yourself and your occupants hydrated.
Overheated engines are one of the most likely causes of a
roadside breakdown in very hot weather. Make sure that your
vehicle's cooling system is in good shape by having it checked by
a mechanic.
Check your car before setting off. Analysis of breakdown data
across this summer so far show that many could have been avoided
with the top three breakdowns caused by tyres, the 12 volt
battery and engine problems.
Whilst some of the country is basking in high temperatures there
is also a warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms for some Sunday
night into Monday. The areas which this looks likely to affect
are parts of Wales, northern England, Northern Ireland and
southern and eastern Scotland. The AA's latest advice for driving
in heavy rain and thunder is here.
If you do breakdown knowing your exact location helps us get to
you quicker – what3words is the easiest
way to describe any precise location. It's also twice as fast to
report a breakdown on our app than it is to call
us.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “High
temperatures can be dangerous if you breakdown or get stuck in
congestion. Ensure you have enough fuel or electric charge to
keep your air-conditioning running. Driving outside the hottest
part of the day is advisable.
“Be aware of the dangers and never leave children, the elderly
and animals in over-heated vehicles. Be smart and plan journeys
accordingly, be careful and keep car keys on your person, and be
prepared should you have to stop for an extended period in the
sun.
“Carry plenty of water – at least one litre per person
travelling. Keeping yourself and other occupants hydrated can
help lower body temperatures in hot weather. If the worst should
happen, you can keep yourself and those with you topped up with
cool water while waiting for help to arrive.”
