Drivers are being advised to move their vehicles off uncovered driveways and into shaded spots as another heatwave is expected to hit large parts of the UK this week. Forecasters predict temperatures could climb as high as 35C in some areas, following a brief cooler spell over the weekend.
Heatwave Warning
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for several regions from Monday morning until Friday. High pressure building to the south of the UK is expected to draw warm air from mainland Europe, causing temperatures to rise again. The hottest conditions are likely in central and eastern England by Tuesday, before spreading north and west. Wednesday is currently forecast to be the hottest day, with temperatures between 30C and 35C possible across much of England and east Wales.
Dangers of Parking in Direct Sunlight
Motoring experts at Select Car Leasing warn that cars left on driveways can become dangerously hot inside. Most driveways in the UK receive direct sunshine for much of the day, especially on newer housing estates where front gardens have been replaced with parking spaces. Experts explain that cars act like greenhouses: sunlight passes through windows and heats up seats, dashboards and steering wheels, trapping heat inside the cabin. When the outside temperature reaches around 25°C, the inside of a parked vehicle can exceed 40°C in just 30 minutes. With temperatures expected to be significantly higher this week, conditions inside parked cars could become even more uncomfortable.
Advice for All Motorists
Parking in the shade reduces direct sunlight on windows and bodywork, keeping the interior temperature closer to the outside air. This makes returning to the car later in the day far more comfortable. Experts also recommend using reflective windscreen shades to prevent the dashboard and interior from heating up. Before setting off, drivers can open the passenger-side window and repeatedly open and close the driver's door to force hot air out. Directing the first blast of air conditioning through the footwell vents can also help remove hot air more quickly.
Electric Vehicle Owners Take Note
The advice is particularly important for owners of electric vehicles. The AA states that lithium-ion batteries perform best when temperatures are between 20°C and 25°C. 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."
