Scorching temperatures of above 30C have hit this week as the UK experiences a heatwave. With that in mind, motoring experts have shared the essential car checks you need to carry out in the hot weather
The UK is currently experiencing a heatwave, with it declared as the hottest day of the year this week. Temperatures hit 32.2C on Thursday (June 19) afternoon, according to the Met Office’s latest weather forecast.
Scorching temperatures also hit on Friday (June 20) and 34C heat has been predicted for today (June 21) too. With that in mind, motoring experts have shared the essential prep needed before taking your car on the scorching roads.
Social media users have been taking to X to share their excitement about the heatwave and sharing their plans for sun-soaked escapades. For those planning a holiday drive in the glorious sunshine, Euro Car Parts’ car-care experts have issued a crucial checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready for the heat.
They’ve shared all the critical elements you should check – from making sure your air conditioning blows cold to verifying your windscreen’s clarity for a smooth and safe summer trip.
1. Verify your tyre condition
The specialists underline the significance of scrutinising your tyres before you depart, pointing out that: “Your tyre pressure is not only key to how smooth your journey will be but can also impact on your fuel consumption.”
Their tip: “Look in your car’s manual, or inside the fuel tank flap, to find the optimal pressure level. It will vary for front and back tyres, and you can test and modify the pressure at your local petrol station, or at home with a pressure gauge.”
2. Double-check your air conditioning function
Heading into the heat?
Make sure your air con isn’t going to let you down by ensuring it functions effectively. Watch out for warning signs: “Signs that your air con could be faulty are that the air blowing out is warm, there is minimal or no air blowing out or it starts making a rattling noise.”
“Other indications of damage could also be having condensation on the bottom of your windscreen or a bad odour coming through the vents.”
“One way of checking that your air con is functioning is by lifting the bonnet whilst your air con is on and if you can hear a ticking sound it is fully functioning and ready to be used. If not, then you may need this professionally looked at.”
3. Refill all the vital fluids
Experts urge drivers to ensure their vehicles are topped up with critical fluids such as windscreen wiper fluid before embarking on extensive summer journeys. Road grime tends to cake on windshields during warmer weather, necessitating quick and safe cleaning capability.
The professionals instruct: “You can find the windshield fluid reservoir under the bonnet and top it up with fluid to the maximum line.”
They also suggest an engine oil check for those who haven’t had recent servicing: “If your car hasn’t been serviced recently, it may be a good idea to check your engine oil. Pop the bonnet whilst the engine is cool and pull out the dipstick. Wipe the end of the stick and put it back into its slot before pulling out again to clearly see the oil levels. If the oil is sitting below the lowest line on the dipstick, then you will need to top up your oil immediately.”
4. Make sure your battery doesn’t die on you
Motorists might be clued-up on the winter woes of car batteries, but what slips under the radar is that troubles often start baking in summer. Just ask the gurus who caution: “When the temperature increases your battery ages faster meaning you’re at higher risk of it dying before your journey.”
Dodging a flat battery fiasco isn’t rocket science, they point out. “The best way to protect the battery (and your wallet) before hitting the road is to keep your car parked in a shaded area where it can remain cool, so it won’t be as affected by the heat.”
Short hops could be your battery’s downfall; the pros reveal: “Increasing your journey time can also help as short journeys, with a lot of starts and stops, don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery so take advantage of the warm weather and walk shorter journeys if possible.”
5. Put a safety box together
Being geared up for any motoring mishap is a no-brainer which makes a car safety box a must-have. The whizz-kids say: “The point is to prepare for a number of unexpected issues, so should include items such as jump leads, a tyre pressure gauge, a warning triangle, first aid kit, phone charger, torch, spare clothing, blankets and a high vis vest.”