With the UK recently hitting record high temperatures, it has not only been uncomfortable to live in the heat, but the hot weather has also caused lots of additional problems. From public transport disruption to fires breaking out, the UK is not well prepared for high temperatures.

However, there will be more hot weather to contend with over the summer months, so we must learn to prepare better for heatwaves. Extreme heat increases the number of vehicle breakdowns and the RAC has estimated that there will be over 1,000 more breakdowns per day throughout July compared to the usual average.

There is also a higher chance of experiencing a tyre blow out in hotter weather and overheated engines can cause costly damage, so it is important to reduce the likelihood of breaking down.

How to keep your vehicle safe in hot temperatures

Avoid driving at the hottest part of the day

If you have to travel by car on a hot day, try to plan your journey for the coolest part of the day, which is early in the morning or late in the evening as temperatures should be lower. The temperature of the roads will be lower at these times as well, which will reduce the likelihood of tyre blow outs and there is less chance of your engine overheating.

Book a vehicle check-up

Book your vehicle in with a mechanic to perform a check-up to look for any issues that could cause problems in hotter weather. If you are planning on any long journeys, it is always a good idea to have a check-up before setting off but it is even more important in extreme hot or extreme cold weather.

A mechanic will be able to check the radiator cooling fans are in good condition and check the cooling system is functioning well. Radiator cooling fans in older vehicles are more likely to malfunction, so you might need to replace yours as a preventative method.

Check your oil, coolant levels and tyre pressure

Make sure that you your oil levels and coolant levels are topped up. Oil thins in heat, so it is better to use 5W 30 oil in the summer months, but it is more important to ensure your oil levels are topped up. Check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cool, so at least a few hours after you last used your vehicle. Tyre pressure increases in the heat, so make sure that tyres are not over-inflated.

Take breaks

As well as being recommended for drivers to take a break every few hours to prevent tiredness, taking regular breaks will also help to keep your car engine cooler, as it will get the chance to cool down each time you stop. If possible, park in the shade as this will help prevent the inside of the car getting hot, as well as helping to keep everything under the bonnet cooler too.

Be prepared for a breakdown

Make sure that you are prepared for the possibility of a breakdown or a traffic jam, by taking lots of water, non-perishable food and a way to charge your mobile. Also, make sure that you have the contact number for your breakdown company, just in case you need them.