DRIVERS have been urged to carry out a free check every day to stop their car’s interior overheating in this week’s 30C scorcher.
You can save yourself some trouble on hot days simply by pushing a button on your dashboard.
The Met Office is predicting highs of up to 31C on Friday as an area of high-pressure sweeps across the UK.
Four heat-related health alerts have come into force as officials begged Brits to stay alert and keep well hydrated over the weekend.
While the forecast probably brings to mind visions of the beach or a barbecue in the garden, plenty of people will be stuck on the roads in hot cars.
Just an hour sitting in 26C sunshine can send a motor’s interior temperature rocketing above 50C, according international research.
As such, the hot weather will have many cranking up the air con, especially in rush hour jams.
Recipe for disaster
CarLease
With that in mind, experts from CarLease have urged Brits to check their blowers every day, even when it’s cold, to get ahead of the warmer conditions.
Leaving the air con alone for extended periods can mean issues go undetected until the cool air is desperately needed.
From foul odours to reduced power, it’s vital to keep your air con in tip-top shape all year round so that, when the heat does come, you can chill down with ease.
The expert team said: “Traffic jams and sweltering cars can be a recipe for disaster if your air conditioning isn’t functioning properly.
“To avoid frustration, do regular checks and test the airflow within the vehicle by running the AC to its highest settings.
“Observe the type of air blowing out – is it weak or, even worse, hot?
“Listen for any unusual noises coming from your car’s AC system as it could be signs of problems such as a broken condenser or fan belt, which would require professional attention.”
All you have to do to make the check is switch the air con on each time you get into the car, which takes just seconds to do.
It comes after drivers rushed to take advantage of a stunning offer of 30% off an “air con boost” in time for the summer warmth.
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS...
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
