Drivers urged to fill up tanks with petrol and diesel this week
Hot weather fizzled out in July but has returned this week, the forecast showing the temperature climbing to 31C on Tuesday and 28C on Wednesday, reports WalesOnline.
The UKHSA has issued a yellow heat-health alert for parts of the UK this week, due to increased dangers for people, particularly those who are vulnerable, during these high temperatures.
READ MORE: All the parts of England set for 33C heatwave with 19 counties roasted
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However, motorists might be unaware that the ongoing heatwave presents an additional, surprising risk related to fuel consumption that could catch them out.
This occurs because vehicles consume extra fuel in hot conditions, meaning your fuel gauge could become unreliable and fail to provide an accurate indication of remaining petrol or diesel.
Specialists at PassMeFast.co.uk said: "When it comes to topping up the petrol in your car, there are two kinds of people: those who refill as soon as the fuel tank gets to around 1/4 full, and those who are happy to drive around with the fuel warning light on.
"The thing is, when the weather's nice and warm, your car's fuel levels drop a lot quicker than usual.
"This means you can't rely on your normal estimations of how much time you have left before needing to fill up.
"To avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, or stuck in a traffic jam on a sweltering day (both are nightmare scenarios), ensure you head to the petrol station well in advance.
"It's simply not worth risking it if the sun is shining!"
In the past, drivers have been warned against filling up their vehicles during hot weather due to fears of the car 'exploding' in the heat.
However, this concern is unfounded and is actually a myth.
Rod Dennis, spokesperson for the RAC, clarified: "There is no truth in this.
"All fuel systems on passenger vehicles are designed to cope with any expansion of fuel, or vapour coming from the fuel.
"There is no risk of explosion from filling up a fuel tank fully and drivers should have no concerns in doing so."
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