Keeping your cool on the road: how to take care of yourself and your car during a heatwave

For the first time in its history the Met Office has issued an amber warning for “extreme heat” in parts of England and Wales.

Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 33C in some areas, with the whole of the UK experiencing high temperatures just as millions of schoolchildren break up for the summer.

Millions of families are expected to take to the roads in coming days and the combination of heavy traffic and high temperatures are likely to pose a real risk to passengers’ health and the wellbeing of vehicles.

Here’s how to keep yourself and your car cool and safe in the coming days.

Cool your car before you go

If it’s already hot before you start your journey or you’ve taken a break along the way then it’s a good idea to let your car cool down before you climb in and head off. Open the doors and windows and let air circulate around the car before you get in.

You should also check how hot things like seat upholstery and buckles are, especially on child car seats. Leather and metal components can get painfully hot in the sun. Wiping hot surfaces down with a damp cloth can help cool them quickly.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration is a real risk in the sort of temperatures we’re currently experiencing and in some cases can cause a loss of concentration, dizziness and even fainting. Make sure you take plenty of water with you and keep topping up as you go to help stay alert and in full control of your vehicle.

Use your air con

It sounds obvious, but if your car has air conditioning, make sure it’s been recently serviced and make use of it. Directing the vents upwards will help circulate air around the whole car, not just blasting it at the driver, while using the foot vents and opening the windows a little can help force hot air up and out of the car more quickly.

If you don’t have air con, you could try dipping a cloth in cold water then hanging it over an air vent. Just make sure you thoroughly wring it out before putting it in the car. Alternatively, invest in a small dashtop fan that can add some extra cooling if your car’s system is struggling.

Look out for your pets

If you’re travelling with pets it's important they get the same care as your human passengers. Try to keep them in the shade as much as possible to keep them cool and stop to give them regular water breaks. If they show any signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, take action immediately. And never leave them alone in a car, even for a short time.