A FOUR DAY amber weather warning is in place for extreme heat in parts of the UK, with additional red warnings in place, as temperatures could reach up to 38°C (100°F). While many drivers focus on simply keeping cool, hot weather can also damage vehicles and belongings left inside, causing hazards for vehicles and drivers alike.
In light of this, the car insurance experts at Zego have shared seven common mistakes motorists should avoid during these periods of extreme heat, urging them to take caution this week.
Sten Saar, CEO and Co-Founder of Zego, comments on how heat impacts vehicles: “Many drivers don’t realise that extreme heat can place just as much strain on a vehicle as winter weather.
“From increased pressure on tyres and cooling systems to damage caused by items left inside the car, a heatwave can create a range of avoidable risks.
“Taking a few simple precautions before setting off can help motorists avoid breakdowns, repair bills, safety risks, and unnecessary disruption.”
The heatwave driving mistakes motorists should avoid:
- Mistake 1: Ignoring coolant levels:
A car’s cooling system always works harder during hot weather, making coolant levels particularly important during a heatwave. If coolant levels are too low, the engine can struggle to regulate its temperature, increasing the risk of overheating and potentially leading to costly vehicle damage.
Saar says: “Drivers planning longer journeys should check coolant levels before setting off and ensure the fluid is topped up to the recommended level.
“If your vehicle’s temperature gauge starts rising unexpectedly, pull over safely and allow the engine to cool before continuing your journey. Engine overheating can lead to repair bills running into hundreds or even thousands of pounds.”
- Mistake 2: Failing to check tyre pressures:
Tyre pressures can naturally fluctuate with temperature changes. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can affect handling, increase stopping distances, and accelerate tyre wear and tear. Combined with increasingly hot road surfaces, incorrectly inflated tyres may also increase the risk of a ruptured or blown tyre.
Saar says: “Tyres are the only part of the vehicle in direct contact with the road, so keeping them properly inflated is particularly important during a heatwave, where roads are hotter than normal.
“A quick pressure check could improve safety and help drivers avoid unnecessary costs this summer.
“Drivers should always check tyre pressures regularly during periods of hot weather and ensure they match the manufacturer’s recommendations. Replacing a damaged tyre can cost motorists well over £100 depending on the vehicle.”
- Mistake 3: Overloading the vehicle:
Heatwaves often coincide with day trips, staycations and summer travel, leading many motorists to pack extra luggage into their vehicles. Excess weight puts added strain on tyres, brakes and suspension components, especially during long journeys in high temperatures.
It’s easy to underestimate how much weight you’re carrying when heading off on holiday. Overloading a vehicle places additional pressure on key components and can impact both the overall safety and fuel efficiency. Always try to travel light where possible.
- Mistake 4: Leaving aerosol cans in the car:
Items such as deodorants, hairsprays and air fresheners can become pressurised when exposed to prolonged heat. While incidents are rare, extreme temperatures can cause containers to leak, rupture or become damaged.
Saar says: “Many drivers don’t think twice about leaving everyday items such as aerosols in their car, but these products are designed to be stored within certain temperature ranges.
“During a heatwave, it’s worth removing anything that could be affected by excessive heat in order to avoid leaks or damage that could create a mess inside the vehicle and pose a potential safety risk.”
- Mistake 5: Leaving sunglasses on the dashboard:
Many will need their sunglasses for driving this week as the sun is out in full force, but direct sunlight can damage frames and lenses if they are left on the dashboard or in the car, particularly during prolonged periods of hot weather. In some cases, reflective or magnifying surfaces can also create unwanted glare inside the vehicle.
Direct sunlight and extreme temperatures can warp frames, damage lens coatings and reduce visibility when driving. Drivers should store sunglasses in a case or glove compartment when not in use to avoid damages.
- Mistake 6: Running on a near-empty fuel tank:
Many motorists put off refuelling until the last possible moment, particularly during long summer journeys. However, regularly driving with very little fuel in the tank can place additional strain on a vehicle’s fuel system. In many cars, fuel helps keep the fuel pump cool, meaning low fuel levels may contribute to increased wear over time. Drivers also risk drawing debris or sediment from the bottom of the tank into the fuel system.
Saar says: “Beyond the potential impact on the vehicle itself, running low on fuel during a heatwave leaves motorists vulnerable to unexpected delays caused by traffic, roadworks or diversions, increasing the risk of becoming stranded.
“Running on fumes might seem harmless, but consistently driving with very little fuel can put extra strain on key driving components and leave drivers with little margin for error if they encounter traffic or unexpected delays in the heat.”
- Mistake 7: Leaving electronics in direct sunlight:
Phones, tablets, laptops and power banks are particularly vulnerable to heat. High temperatures can reduce battery performance, trigger automatic shutdowns and potentially shorten the lifespan of the devices.
Modern electronics aren’t designed to sit in extreme temperatures for hours at a time. Drivers returning to a hot car may find their tech devices have overheated, stopped working properly or suffered long-term battery damage. It is always safest to avoid leaving tech items in a hot car, and if they are in the car, leave them in a shaded, hidden compartment such as the boot, or inside a bag.
Sten Saar advises drivers to take time to avoid these issues: “Many of these mistakes take just a few minutes to avoid, but the consequences can be costly if they’re ignored, both for the vehicle and driver.
“Carrying out a handful of basic checks before setting off can help motorists stay safe, protect their vehicle and avoid unnecessary breakdowns during periods of hot weather.
“Remember to also always take a bottle of water with you in your vehicle during hot weather, to stay hydrated in case of unexpected delays in the heat.”
