Experts warn of overheating problem that will disable your car this summer – here's how to prevent it
As Ireland faces another spell of summer heat, drivers are being urged to pay attention to an often-overlooked part of their car.
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A major warning has been issued to Irish motorists this summer
Credit: Getty Images
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Car fobs can easily stop working if left in direct sunlight
Credit: Getty Images
While it might seem like a minor concern, leaving your car keys in direct sunlight this summer could lead to major technical issues and unexpected expenses.
According to
These devices contain sensitive electronics, including lithium-ion batteries and chipsets - all of which are susceptible to damage when exposed to heat over 35C.
Alicia Hempsted, a car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said that while most people know not to leave smartphones in the sun, key fobs are often overlooked.
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And she warned that once overheated, a key fob may stop working entirely.
She said: 'Most of us know it's not a good idea to leave a smartphone or a tablet in hot, direct sunlight, yet key fobs are often overlooked.
'These devices are just as sensitive and temperatures over 35 degrees can cause them to fail.
'The consequences of an overheated car key fob can leave you locked out of your vehicle or stuck with costly repairs not always covered by insurance.'
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Among the issues that can result from excessive heat for your car are leaking or failed batteries, corrupted chipsets, malfunctioning electronics and compromised
The effects may not be immediate, but internal damage can worsen over time which will make your car harder to access or start.
Gardai and RSA measures aimed at driving crash deaths on Irish roads
What's more, it can also come with major financial consequences for motorists.
Many car insurance policies and extended warranties do not automatically cover damage caused by environmental exposure, which includes overheating.
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Motor experts now advise motorists to check for electronic component exclusions in their policy documents and to inform their insurer if they experience a key failure due to the heat.
They also suggest considering a key cover add-on which can allow you to get a faster replacement if a fob becomes unusable.
PREVENTION TIPS
To help motorists avoid such issues, MoneySuperMarket has revealed several precautions for the
The first recommendation is to avoid leaving car keys in direct sunlight, whether indoors or outside.
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That includes steering clear of window ledges, dashboards, patio tables, or any surfaces that are exposed to the sun for long periods this summer.
The second tip is to use protective pouches such as heat-insulating RFID sleeves.
These products help to block excessive heat and are widely available in retailers across Ireland such as
Finally, motorists should monitor the health of their key fob battery regularly.
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This can be done by looking for signs of bulging, leakage or corrosion - all of which could indicate heat stress or battery wear.
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