As soaring temperatures return to large parts of the UK this week, drivers are being urged to think carefully about where they leave their cars. The Met Office has forecast another spell of hot weather, with temperatures expected to climb steadily over the coming days.
Forecast Temperatures
Parts of England and Wales could reach around 30C on Tuesday before the heat intensifies on Wednesday, when highs of between 32C and 34C are possible. The hottest day is currently expected to be Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 36C in parts of East Anglia and south-east England.
With the heatwave set to return, motoring experts are advising drivers to avoid leaving their vehicles in direct sunshine wherever possible.
Driveway Risks
Many people routinely park on their driveways without giving it much thought. However, because many driveways receive direct sunlight for most of the day, experts say vehicles can quickly become dangerously hot inside. The advice is particularly relevant on many newer housing estates, where front gardens have often been replaced by open parking spaces with little or no shade.
Experts at Select Car Leasing are encouraging motorists to move their cars into a shaded area before temperatures peak if they have the option. They explained that parked cars act like greenhouses: sunlight passes through the windows and heats seats, dashboards and steering wheels before the heat becomes trapped inside the vehicle, causing temperatures to rise rapidly.
Rapid Temperature Rise
According to the company, when the outside temperature is around 25C, the inside of a parked car can exceed 40C in as little as 30 minutes. With much hotter weather forecast this week, cabin temperatures could climb even higher. Parking in the shade helps reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering the vehicle, keeping the interior closer to the outside air temperature and making it much more comfortable when drivers return.
Electric Vehicle Advice
The advice is also important for electric vehicle owners. The AA says lithium-ion batteries perform best when temperatures are between 20C and 25C. The organisation said: "Extreme heat is best avoided in storage and in use. But in particular, it's better to keep the vehicle out of direct heat when parked. The battery's thermal management system will cause the batteries to be drained, as the system keeps the temperature down for optimum efficiency."
Cooling Tips
Drivers can also help keep their vehicles cooler by using reflective windscreen shades to block direct sunlight. Before setting off, experts recommend opening the passenger-side window while repeatedly opening and closing the driver's door to push hot air out of the cabin. Switching on the air conditioning through the footwell vents first can also help cool the vehicle more quickly.
