The AA has issued travel advice for drivers as the heatwave in the UK sends temperatures soaring.   

The AA is advising drivers to avoid the hottest part of the day and to be well prepared before they head off in their cars

With temperatures likely to exceed 35°C today and tomorrow, the breakdown and rescue specialist is advising drivers to avoid the hottest part of the day and to be well prepared before they head off in their cars.  

And those in older cars not recently serviced, without air conditioning, are advised to consider whether they should be travelling.  

Along with the North West Ambulance Service, the AA is also warning drivers that there is a greater danger of tyre blow-outs in extreme temperatures. Some local authorities have sent out the gritters to put sand on roads to try to prevent the road surface from melting.  

Drivers should also only check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold; i.e., the car hasn’t been driven for a couple of hours. The pressure inside your tyres increases as they heat up. If you set your pressures when your tyres are already warm, their pressure will probably be too low. Similar thinking applies to oil and coolant levels, which again should only be checked when the vehicle is cold.

Setting off as early in the morning as possible can reduce the chances of your engine overheating as the air temperature is reduced at this time of the day. Road surfaces are also likely to be cooler – meaning that your car’s tyres are less likely to reach temperatures high enough for pressures to increase.  

Drivers should also make sure that their vehicle’s cooling system is in good shape by having it checked by a mechanic.  

Drivers should also keep their keys in their pocket when placing children or pets into the car. Last summer the AA attended an average of two cases per day where children or pets had been accidentally locked in cars – along with the keys.  

Edmund King, AA president, said: “The extreme temperatures could be dangerous if you breakdown or get stuck in congestion. Ensure you have enough fuel or electric charge to keep your air-conditioning running. The heatwave could cause considerable problems for many older vehicles without air-conditioning or recent servicing, with both the car and occupants over-heating. Driving outside the hottest part of the day is advisable.  

“If your car breaks down when temperatures are high, it’s even more important than usual that we get to you as quickly as we can. The quickest way for our members to report a breakdown is through the AA breakdown app.    

“Knowing your exaction location is vital to us, so downloading the what3words app (w3w) and reporting your unique w3w location can help us to reach you faster. Try to wait in the shade in a safe place.  

“Carry plenty of water – at least one litre per person travelling. Keeping yourself and other occupants hydrated can help lower body temperatures in hot weather. If the worst should happen, you can keep yourself and those with you topped up with cool water while waiting for help to arrive.”