Getting into a hot car during a heat wave isn’t one of life’s most pleasurable sensations — it’s a lot like stepping into a sauna with all your clothes on.
Most of us immediately open all the doors and try to circulate some air, but when the air outside is 35°C, or even hotter, that won’t make your car a relaxing oasis in the end.
Even after you start driving, that won’t stop your problems, with the car possibly overheating or getting into trouble on the road due to the temperature.
Breakdown company the AA came up with some tips to make driving in the heat safer and more comfortable, and top of the list is keeping plenty of water in the car, which can keep you from becoming dehydrated if you get stuck in the heat. traffic or breakdown.
Mark Born of the AA’s Driving School’s Instructor Training Academy said the hot weather made cars more prone to overheating, so people need to know how to handle this situation.
It’s counterintuitive that people should turn the air conditioning down and the heating UP if the engine seems to be overheating.
This is because the air conditioner uses energy from the car, and the heater pulls hot air away from the engine compartment, cooling it down.
You may see a warning light or the temperature gauge reading high to warn you that the engine is too hot.
It is also recommended that you do not lift the hood right away, as hot air and steam underneath can be dangerous. Instead, wait at least 15 minutes before trying to add coolant, if you have one.
Mr Born added more ways to prepare for a ride in the heat: ‘Check you have enough fuel for the journey.
“EV drivers need to make sure they have enough charge to get through unexpected queues with the air conditioning on full blast.
‘If you are planning a route with charging or rest stops, check for traffic incidents before you leave to avoid delays.’
Something many of us have wondered is whether it is better to cool down with the windows open or by using the air conditioner.
And apparently, when it comes to fuel or energy consumption, it’s actually better to use AC to cool the car when you’re driving at high speed.
This is because the wind resistance created by open windows will consume more gasoline than when the air conditioner is running.
However, if you’re just strolling around town, having the windows open should use less fuel.
The AA also said people should dress appropriately while driving to avoid overheating.
While it is legal to ride barefoot, it is not recommended as you must be able to operate the pedals safely.
Sweaty feet can slide on them and not grip them properly, or push them down with the right amount of pressure.
Light-colored clothing that is not too thick may be more comfortable in the heat.
People may also consider freezing water bottles to take with them, which will stay cool longer, even if they melt.
“Passengers can press the bottle against their wrists or forehead,” the AA said.
They also advised taking sealed ice packs or damp cloths in the car and keeping them a few inches away from the vents, creating instant air conditioning.
Paper fans can be kept in the glove box for when they’re needed, while you can sprinkle water on the handlebars and let it evaporate to cool it down before you leave.
“If you must park in the sun, put a windshield sunshade on your dash to reflect the sun’s heat and pull down any sunshades from the windows,” the AA added.
They said you can also cover the steering wheel with an extra tea towel or towel to keep it from getting hotter, while exposed metal on the seats that gets very hot, such as seat belt buckles and child car harness fasteners, can also be covered. †
Of course, you should never leave children or pets alone in a hot car.
Every year there are stories of dogs dying while being left in vehicleswhich can act as greenhouses and become dangerously hot in a short period of time – even if it’s not super hot outside.
After half an hour at 21°C, the temperature in a car can rise to above 40°C.
If you see a child or dog in distress in a hot car, the official advice is to call 999 immediately and ask the police who can provide further advice.
Also keep in mind that car windows don’t block UV rays, so you can also bring sunscreen.
The weather this week is going to be so hot Gritters stand by to spread light scatters of sand on roads, which can get so hot that the asphalt melts.
The areas most likely to be affected are those with older road surfaces, rural areas and the south.
The sand would absorb the excess bitumen, making the surface easier to drive on.
Drivers who find tar on their tires are advised to wash it off with warm soapy water.
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