Every driver in Britain must make vital car check as temperatures soar and heatwave ‘likely' this weekend

The Sun

20-06-2025

If you fail to do the check, scalding steam could rush out of your engine
HOT WHEELS Every driver in Britain must make vital car check as temperatures soar and heatwave 'likely' this weekend
DRIVERS have been warned to make a vital car check as temperatures across the UK soar.
The easy check can save you thousands and makes sure that your car won't overheat in the scorching sunshine.
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One easy check on your car could save you thousands this summer
Credit: Getty
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The check is more important than ever when temperatures are higher
Credit: Getty
If your coolant levels are too low, then your car could quickly overheat.
Vehicles don't actually use more coolant when the weather is hot, but overheat much more easily when the coolant is low.
When refilling your coolant, your engine must be off - for your own safety.
Then, fill the tank up to the "full" or "max" mark.
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If your car overheats, the cost to repair it can be astronomical so this one easy check could save you a huge amount of money.
In the event that your car does start overheating, you must pull over as soon as you can - when it is safe.
Switch on your hazard lights and get all passengers out of the car,.
If possible, open your bonnet and take a big step back in case hot steam rushes out.
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Finally, leave your car for 30 minutes to let the engine cool down.
There are several other checks that can keep your car road-ready in the hot weather.
Car expert urges drivers to do two maintenance checks before summer heat – 'quarter test' could save on a tow
Tyre pressure can be affected by warmer weather, as the heat can cause the air inside the tyres to expand.
This can cause your tyre pressure to skyrocket, which comes with a host of issues.
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Not only does this increase the chance of tyre wear, but it can cause damage to your suspension - which is costly to repair.
Some engine oils should also be replaced during periods of hot weather, if their viscosity will be affected by heat.
The news comes as the UK braces for a heatwave which has already begun to smash records.
Yesterday, Britain saw its hottest day of the year so far with temperatures in the South East climbing to 32.2C.
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In order to qualify as a heatwave, temperatures must be consistently reach a threshold temperature for at least three consecutive days.
In the North and West of England, that temperature is 25C where it is 30C in the South.
This weekend, meteorologists expect that the South East could see highs of a sweltering 33C, as the heatwave continues.
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Today, experts have warned that parts of the country could experience highs of 29C which has led thousands of Brits to flock to beaches across the country.