Latest news with #motoringexperts
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Drivers need to do three checks before using their car during hot weather, RAC says
DRIVERS are being urged to carry out three vital checks before hitting the road in scorching weather. As UK temperatures soar, motoring experts say failing to prep your car properly could leave you stranded in the heat. 3 3 Breakdowns are already on the rise - leaving thousands of drivers are being left stranded every day. And with the heatwave chaos, rescue wait times are soaring. Experts are warning Brits to act now before hitting the road and say a few simple checks could save your motor - and your wallet - from a summer meltdown. RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: 'We're seeing a surge in breakdowns as this latest period of hot weather takes hold, with up to 20% more vehicles failing than expected at this point in July. "With above-average temperatures in many parts expected for the foreseeable future, very high volumes of breakdowns will persist through this coming weekend and well into next week. "Our teams are working incredibly hard to help thousands of stranded drivers every day, but waiting times are longer as a result." What to check? Drivers are being urged to check oil and coolant levels, as well as tyre pressure and tread, before setting off. And if you spot a problem, don't risk it - get it looked at by a mechanic or trusted garage before heading out, or you could end up broken down on the hard shoulder in blistering heat. Alice continued: 'Drivers should do whatever they can to avoid their vehicles letting them down in these conditions - oil and coolant levels, as well as tyres, must be checked before journeys are made. "If anything isn't right, get the problem diagnosed by a mobile mechanic or reputable garage, rather than running the risk of driving. "Taking plenty of breaks on long journeys, to give themselves and their cars a rest, is also important." Breakdown Survival Tips Motorists are also being told to prepare for the worst - just in case the car does conk out. Always carry plenty of drinking water, especially if you're travelling with kids or pets, and don't forget sun cream, a sun hat, and even an umbrella to provide shade while you wait for help. Experts say if you do break down, it's vital to get out safely and seek shade where possible - as sitting in a sweltering vehicle can be just as dangerous as being stuck outside. Alice added: 'Staying safe in the heat, especially if a breakdown is unavoidable, should be in the mind of every driver. "Carrying plenty of water for all passengers is a must, as is keeping sunscreen and a sun hat or even umbrella to hand to reduce the ferocity of the sun. "When waiting for assistance, look for a safe location in the shade and well away from moving traffic." 3 Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace * Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check, with no impact on your score 60-second decision, get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match, only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
7 common items Brits should never leave inside a hot car including popular kids' gadget that can become ‘dangerous'
DRIVERS are being warned against leaving certain items in the car when the weather is hot, including a potentially dangerous kids gadget. Motoring experts have outline seven of the common items lefts by Brits in cars that they say really shouldn't in the heat. 3 The advice comes at a perfect time as warmer weather is forecast across the UK in coming weeks. Drivers therefore should be careful about what they leave in the vehicles throughout the summer. Dangers of hot cars Leaving windows slightly open, while an easy option that can be more convenient, is not always enough. On top of that, car experts suggest that car interiors can become dangerously hot within minutes. And while "most drivers know not to leave pets or children in hot cars", there are other items to consider in their potential to cause hazards. John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco, adds: 'As temperatures rise, it's important to think twice before leaving anything behind in your vehicle that could melt, warp, overheat or even pose a fire risk.' This is especially when they are left on the dashboard or seats in direct sunlight. Items not to be left in hot cars 1. Mobile Phones Phones are highly sensitive to heat, and therefore can quickly over heat if left in the sun. Car interiors can also reach over double the temperature outside when the weather is warm. Car expert urges drivers to do two maintenance checks before summer heat – 'quarter test' could save on a tow Exposure to heat, such as being left in a hot car, can cause quick degradation to a phone's battery. The device is then also likely to overheat, and may even trigger automatic shutdowns or permanent internal damage. In extreme cases, overheated mobile phones can present a fire risk. 2. Medication Many medical pills are high sensitive to temprature. These include medications like insulin and certain antibiotics, which should be kept in the fridge, as well as common children's medicine Calpol, which should be kept below 25 degrees Celsius. The effectiveness of a drug can be reduced when exposed to high temperatures. They may even become unsafe to use. You should always make sure to read the packaging and follow the instructions of medication, especially during the summer. 3. Suncream Suncream, while a necessity to have on hand for hot days, should not be left in cars. Apart from potentially causing a mess and making it hot to apply, suncream's prolonged heat exposure can also make it useless. The active ingredient breaks down in hot temperatures, meaning it will no longer protect your skin properly from UVA or UVB rays. As a result, you will have increased risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage by relying on this suncream. 4. Water Bottles Plastic can leach harmful chemicals when heated up. Harmful chemicals like BPA may permeate into water of plastic bottles, especially after long periods of heat exposure. Even BPA-free plastic shouldn't be left in extreme temperatures. It is best to use reusable stainless steel or glass bottles, for safer hydration. But these should also be taken with you when you leave the car. 3 3 5. Sunglasses People regularly leave sunglasses on the dashboard when they leave the car, however this can ruin them. Heat can cause the plastic frames of sunglasses to warp, and their lenses may become distorted or cracked. Left unprotected, they are also more likely to get scratched or discoloured. It is therefore advised to always keep sunglasses in a proper case and out of direct sunlight when not in use. 6. Aerosol Cans Pressurised aerosol cans can pose an extreme risk when left in a hot car. This includes deodorants, air fresheners, hairsprays or cleaning sprays. Pressure inside aerosol cans increases with rising temperatures, which can cause them to rupture or explode. This can be extremely dangerous and lead to a serious fire or injury. Even if it does not explode, the heat can degrade the contents, reduce its performance or cause leaks. 7. Electronics and power banks Devices like laptops, tablets, and portable chargers also present a risk when left in the heat. As most electronics contain lithium-ion batteries, they are high sensitive to extreme temperatures, and may swell, leak or catch fire. Exposure to warmth also can cause them to degrade much faster, and shorten their overall lifespan. Internal components may also be damaged, like the screens or circuit boards of devices, such that they become unusable.
