Drivers warned heatwave risks continue into the working week

• Red and Amber weather warnings for extreme heat in place until Thursday

• The AA warns commuters, work drivers and school-run motorists not to drop their guard after the weekend

• Older vehicles may be more susceptible to breakdowns in hot weather, particularly if cooling systems or radiator fans are not working properly

• “The heat does not stop being a risk just because the weekend is over.” – AA expert patrol

The AA is urging drivers not to drop their guard as extreme heat continues into the new working week.

The Met Office has issued a Red weather warning for extreme heat in parts of the UK, with other areas under an Amber warning until Thursday 25 June. Hot and humid conditions are expected to continue through the middle of the week.

Temperatures are widely expected to exceed 30°C, with the hottest areas potentially peaking around 38-40°C within the Red warning area.

Heatwave advice for weekday journeys

After a hot weekend, The AA is urging drivers to continue taking precautions during commutes, school runs, work trips and essential journeys.

Vehicles left parked in direct sunshine over the weekend may be especially uncomfortable when drivers return to them, while heavier weekday traffic can put extra pressure on engines, tyres and cooling systems.

Drivers are being advised to give their car a quick check before setting off, particularly if it has been standing in the heat. Tyre pressures, coolant and oil levels should all be checked, and drivers should look out for warning lights, unusual smells, steam from the engine bay or rising temperature gauges.

Those who can travel flexibly may want to avoid the hottest part of the day or travel earlier or later when temperatures and road surfaces may be cooler.

Older vehicles more vulnerable in hot weather

Hot weather can put added strain on vehicles, particularly older cars, vans and those which have not been serviced recently.

Cooling systems can come under more pressure in high temperatures, making it important to check coolant levels and look out for signs of overheating.

Drivers who are unsure whether their vehicle is ready for summer conditions can book a service through AA car servicing.

Plan for delays during hot commutes

Drivers are advised to prepare for delays, particularly during rush hour or on busy routes where congestion can quickly become uncomfortable in extreme heat. Use The AA Routeplanner to check for congestion before setting off.

Motorists should carry enough water for everyone in the vehicle, keep a charged mobile phone with them and make sure they have enough fuel or battery charge to keep air conditioning running if traffic is slow.

They should also check they have suitable breakdown cover in place before travelling, particularly if relying on an older vehicle during the heatwave.

EV drivers should also remember that using air conditioning can affect range, so it is worth checking charge levels before setting off and allowing a buffer for delays.

Hot cars remain a danger during quick stops

The AA is also reminding drivers that parked vehicles can become dangerously hot very quickly. Children, vulnerable passengers and pets should never be left inside a parked vehicle, even briefly.

This is especially important during school runs, work stops, deliveries, supermarket trips or quick errands, where drivers may underestimate how quickly the temperature inside a vehicle can rise.

Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: “The heat does not stop being a risk just because the weekend is over. As people return to work, take children to school or make regular journeys, it is important they continue to prepare properly before setting off.

“Vehicles that have been parked up in the heat over the weekend may need a little extra attention before being driven again. Check your tyres, coolant and oil levels, and do not ignore warning lights, rising temperature gauges or unusual smells.

“Drivers should carry plenty of water, keep a charged phone with them and plan as though they could be delayed. If you are stuck in heavy traffic, make sure you have enough fuel or charge to keep the air conditioning running where needed.

“Never leave children, vulnerable passengers or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Vehicle interiors can become dangerously hot very quickly, and a short stop can become a serious risk.”

Edmund King, AA president, added: “Drivers shouldn’t be surprised to see gritters out on some roads this week. In prolonged heat, some road surfaces can soften, become sticky and in places start to rut under heavy traffic.

“Air temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s can translate into much higher road-surface temperatures because dark asphalt absorbs and stores heat. Some roads may begin to soften when surface temperatures get towards 50C, particularly older or more vulnerable surfaces.

“The main risk for drivers is not that the road suddenly ‘melts’ everywhere, but that patches can become tacky or uneven. That can affect braking, steering and grip, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists, and can also throw up loose material.

“If drivers come across a softened or damaged surface, they should slow down, avoid harsh braking or steering, and leave extra space from the vehicle in front.”

Driving safely in strong sunshine and high temperatures

Glare from strong sunshine can make morning and evening commutes more difficult, particularly when the sun is low. Keeping the windscreen clean, topping up screenwash and keeping a clean pair of sunglasses in the car can all help improve visibility.

More summer driving advice is available on the AA website.

AA hot weather driving checklist

• Check tyre condition and pressures before setting off.
• Check coolant and oil levels.
• Watch for signs of overheating, especially in older vehicles.
• Carry at least one litre of water per person.
• Keep a charged mobile phone and power bank in the vehicle
• Pack extra water and a bowl for pets.
• Avoid travelling in the hottest part of the day where possible.
• Allow extra time for commuting, school runs and work journeys.
• Never leave children, vulnerable passengers or pets in a parked car.
• Keep the windscreen clean, top up screenwash and carry sunglasses.
• Use the AA RoutePlanner to check for delays and plan stops.

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