The hot spell could wreak costly havoc on a car (Picture: Getty)
Car owners could end up hundreds of pounds out of pocket if they leave their vehicle at the mercy of a heatwave.
The UK roads are riddled with risks already – be it potholes or speeding drivers – but now motorists also need to be wary of hot weather damage.
But being prepared could help mitigate the damage the scorcher could wreak on your car as temperatures are forecast to hit 34°C today, the Met Office predicts.
Here is what to keep an eye out for to avoid dishing out money on repairs.
There are ways drivers can avoid heat-related damage (Picture: Getty)
The cost of heat damage to cars
Motoring experts have warned drivers of the potential risks that can land drivers with an expensive trip to a car repair shop.
Justin Hall, director of engineering at IMO Car Wash, rang the alarm on UV rays.
He said: ‘Powerful UV rays can cause the pigments in your paintwork to deteriorate, leading to discolouration, while high temperatures can cause your vehicle’s metal components to expand and contract, potentially resulting in warping and misalignment.’
To make matters worse, ‘extended exposure to heat can cause minor cracks in your windshield and windows to expand,’ he told Birmingham Live.
Driving with a cracked windscreen is illegal – and can be dangerous.
Windscreen repairs cost between £40 to £100, while replacing the entire front windscreen could cost up to £450.
How heatwave can damage cars
Alongside UV paint damage and a costly windscreen, there are other ways sun and heat can get to your trusty car.
Driving Instructors Association listed five ways cars are mostly affected by heat.
1. Engine coolant levels
Just like we need to stay hydrated with water, a car needs vital fluids during a hot spell.
Overheating coupled with low coolant levels could incur ‘serious structural damage,’ according to Bristol Street Motors.
2. Bacteria build-up in air conditioning
Gunk being blown into your face doesn’t sound appealing.
But bacteria could have built up in the air conditioning system over time, especially after a winter. Experts recommend getting a professional clean to sort this out.
3. Tyre issues
In hot weather, the pressure in the tyres can rise, leading to air expanding, meaning full-to-the-brim tyres could even explode.
4. Car battery damage
The battery – the heart of the car that keeps the vehicle going – could also overheat.
This could be a particular risk to cars parked in the sun or driven infrequently during spells of hot weather with the windows up.
So, if the temperature gauge on the dashboard is displaying a warning light, pull over safely and the car cool down for at least half an hour.
5. Low fuel levels.
A heatwave could also be costly at the petrol pump as fuel levels drop quicker in hot weather.
A £50 petrol top-up could end up providing just £46 worth of petrol, according to the motoring expert.
To help save money, drivers should consider filling the tank only halfway to be more fuel efficient and keep better track of consumption.
After today’s hot spell, temperatures are forecast to stay in the mid to high 20°C in the southeast and London this week.
Counties of the UK have different thresholds for a heatwave.
In Greater London and part of the south, a heatwave is reached when temperatures meet or exceed 28°C for at least three days straight.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.