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Baking in the heat - or breaking down? Heatwave could cause car-lamity for drivers
As hot weather approaches, experts reveal how to avoid car issues caused by the heat
With soaring temperatures predicted and potential highs of 32C in parts of the UK this week, many are looking forward to sun-soaked days and scenic drives. However, experts warn that the extreme heat could cause issues for our cars - and there are measures we should be taking to decrease the risk of breakdowns.
Though a change in the weather feels long overdue, it may be worth giving your car a little extra love before rushing off to enjoy the summer sun, say the car experts at Go.Compare car insurance. From tyres to engines, there are a number of issues that can arise - or be exacerbated - by hot weather.
Tom Banks, car insurance spokesperson at Go.Compare, explains: “Keeping up with regular maintenance, checks and servicing of your vehicle is so important - and we recommend taking extra care when a heatwave is approaching.
“Hot weather can cause a number of issues with our cars, but many are avoidable. To make sure both you and your car are summer ready, we recommend:
- Check your oil levels - top up as needed and check your oil regularly, as this will prevent your engine from overheating.
- Check coolant levels too - this is particularly important if you’re about to set off on a long journey.
- Park in shady spots - and use sunshades over windows, as this will help keep the temperature of your car down.
- Check your air conditioning - the last thing you want on a scorching hot day is broken AC, so keep up with regular checks and services.
- Consider turning the AC off at slower speeds - your car has to work harder to create cool air when you’re travelling below 50mph. Turning it off when you’re driving 20-30mph could help save on fuel consumption, as well as giving your car a break.
- Keep tyres tip-top - high temperatures can make existing wear and tear on tyres worse, so make sure you check them regularly. If your tyre tread edges are close to the 1.6mm legal minimum or are damaged, get them replaced at a reputable garage.
- Check your battery - hot weather puts pressure on your car’s battery, particularly if your air conditioning is on full and you’re using your car’s Sat Nav. So, if it has been a while since your last service, it might be worth giving your car the once-over before any long drives.
- Pack plenty of drinks – if you are considering a long drive in the warmer weather, you may want to stock up on plenty of fluids, just in case the worst should happen.
“If you plan on making the most of the summer sunshine with road trips and other adventures, we recommend doing a few extra checks before you set off, as this could help you avoid waiting for a roadside recovery or a trip to the garage - which is the last thing we want to be doing when the weather is nice.”
For more tips on driving in hot weather visit: https://www.gocompare.com/motoring/guides/summer-driving-tips/
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Contact Information
Rubie Barker
Notes to editors
Notes to editors
For further information please contact:
Lynsey Walden – lynsey.walden@gocompare.com
Kath Chadwick – Kathryn.chadwick@gocompare.com
Or you can call 02920 020360.
Keep up-to-date with GoCompare on Twitter; @Go.Compare
Notes to editors
About Go.Compare
Go.Compare is a comparison website that enables people to compare the costs and features of a wide variety of insurance policies, financial products and energy tariffs.
It does not charge people to use its services and does not accept advertising or sponsored listings, so all product comparisons are unbiased. Go.Compare makes its money through fees paid by the providers of products that appear on its various comparison services when a customer buys through the site.
When it launched in 2006, it was the first comparison site to focus on displaying policy details rather than just listing prices, with the aim of helping people to make better-informed decisions when buying their insurance. It is this approach to comparing products that secured the company an invitation to join the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) in 2008, and it is still the only comparison site to be a member of this organisation.
Go.Compare has remained dedicated to helping people choose the most appropriate products rather than just the cheapest and works with Defaqto, the independent financial researcher, to integrate additional policy information into a number of its insurance comparison services. This allows people to compare up to an extra 30 features of cover.
Go.Compare is part of Future Plc and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
More information can be found here www.gocompare.com or here https://www.futureplc.com/brands/.