Drivers must remove three items from their car as 32C heatwave peaks
Drivers are being told they must remove three items from their car now as the heatwave peaks.
Motorists are being urged to remove three items from their vehicles as the heatwave peaks.
Sizzling temperatures of 31.2C were recorded in London on Friday and this weekend the hot weather has continued to bake Britain in some long overdue sunshine.
But the soaring summer temperatures can pose unexpected risks to drivers' safety.
Drivers are now being advised to remove three specific items from their cars before the mercury rises any further - if they haven't done so already.
While temperatures are expected to dip again at some point, hotter weather is then forecast to return again at the end of the month and into August, and so it's better for drivers to prepare now.
READ MORE: Warning not to use electric fans during heatwave as UK weather maps hit 32C [LATEST]
Firstly, bottled water. It may seem harmless to leave a bottle of water in your car after a long day, but as the temperature increases, chemicals from the plastic bottle can leech into the water, making it unsafe to drink.
In extreme cases, these bottles can also act as a magnifying glass for sunlight and potentially start a fire inside the car. The safest option is to just take out the bottle from the car to ensure both the car's safety and the water's freshness.
Secondly, medication. Many people may not be aware that common over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol, Calpol, cough medicine and other painkillers have a maximum temperature at which they remain effective.
Leaving a packet of painkillers in a hot car could render them less effective or even completely useless, or worse, dangerous.
Most commercial painkillers and medicines are only rated up to 25C, meaning you could inadvertently worsen your condition by taking them, and fail to treat the condition you really need them for.
Sun cream, also known as sun block or sunscreen, is another item that can cause problems when left in a hot car. It can spoil inside the bottle and could even explode due to the pressure in the heat.
It's recommended to treat it like expired sun cream and replace it.
What should you keep in your car during a heatwave?
Ensure you have ample petrol (or diesel) as fuel depletes quicker in a heatwave. You also need to make sure the car has sufficient water and oil, both of which are crucial on hot days, and that your aircon gas is topped up to be able to keep you cool.
Besides that, exercise caution and drive safely in the sunshine, keeping an eye on your engine's temperature gauge to prevent expensive breakdowns in the sun.
