Drivers urged to fit £5 accessory to car to prevent scorching interior this summer

The vehicle cover provider ALA Insurance has offered a number of tips that can help drivers keep their vehicle cool during the summer months.

With spells of hot weather expected over the coming weeks, many drivers will find the interior of their vehicle much hotter than normal, causing them to turn on the air conditioning.

However, Callum Butler, motoring expert at ALA Insurance, suggested that preventing the car from heating up in the first place can help drivers save significant money.

He advised: "It might be tempting to reach for the air con to help keep your car cool, but experts say this can increase fuel consumption by between eight to 10 percent, and using the air con can reduce the battery range in electric vehicles.

"But this doesn't mean you have to suffer driving in uncomfortable temperatures. There are a few simple and cost effective changes you can make to keep your car cool during the summer."

According to ALA Insurance, one of the most effective ways to prevent a car interior from heating up when it is parked is by fitting a reflective cover over the windscreen.

Available from almost all motoring accessory shops from about £5, these covers reflect the sunlight before it can pass through the windscreen.

The majority of windscreen covers are also incredibly convenient to fit and remove, and can be used to cover up other large glass panels, such as a sunroof.

Another way motorists can avoid getting into a stifling vehicle this summer, ALA Insurance suggested, is by getting some of the windows tinted.

Whilst many motorists tint the windows of their car to make it look cooler, the feature can actually keep the interior cool too, preventing some light from passing through.

Nevertheless, the company warned drivers that the front windscreen must still let at least 75 percent of the light through, whilst front side windows must allow 70 percent of light to pass in order to give motorists good visibility in all conditions.

Finally, ALA Insurance recommended that drivers of vehicles with leather seats can prevent discomfort during the summer months by fitting a set of seat covers.

Whilst many motorists are happy to pay a considerable amount to own a vehicle that features seats coated in leather or a synthetic alternative, it can absorb a lot more heat than cloth.

As a result, buying a set of car covers to use in the summer or simply fitting some t-shirts or towels to the seats when the vehicle is parked can help to prevent occupants from frying as soon as they enter.