In the hot seat: is your car heatwave ready?

With temperatures across the UK predicted to reach over 30 degrees this weekend*, and many Brits readying their factor 50, the warmer weather can lift our spirits, but it could also wreak havoc on our cars.

Motoring experts at Go.Compare car insurance are urging drivers to carry out some simple checks to avoid a breakdown in the heat.

Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare says: “Regular maintenance and servicing are always important, regardless of the weather conditions, but during a heatwave, it’s especially vital to take extra care. Hot weather can lead to a range of car troubles, many of which are preventable.”

Here are Go.Compare’s top tips to stay road-ready this summer:

• Check your aircon – broken air conditioning is not what you need on a hot day so make sure it’s being maintained regularly and you’re keeping up with checks.
• Check your oil levels – Regularly topping up your oil helps keep your engine cool and prevents overheating.
• Top up your coolant – This is particularly crucial in the heat and before a long trip to avoid engine trouble.
• Park in the dark – Choose shaded areas when possible and use sunshades to reduce temperatures inside the car.
• Switch off AC at low speeds – Under 50mph, your car works harder to stay cool. Turning off the AC during slow traffic could ease the strain on your engine and save fuel.
• Inspect your tyres – Heat intensifies existing tyre wear. Check tread depth (the legal minimum is 1.6mm) and replace any damaged tyres.
• Test your battery – High temperatures can stress your car’s battery, especially if you’re running your AC a lot more than usual.
• Never leave children or pets in the car – Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and become life-threatening within minutes. 
• Pack plenty of water – If you’re planning a long journey, stay hydrated and bring extra drinks in case of delays or breakdowns.

Tom adds, “A few quick checks before setting off could save you the hassle of a breakdown or emergency repair, and help you enjoy your summer trips stress-free. Not only could a bit of maintenance prevent costly repairs, but avoidable issues could affect your insurance claim.”

For more hot-weather driving tips, visit Go.Compare’s summer driving guide.