List of five items drivers are urged to put in cars during a heatwave
As another intense heatwave looms, drivers are being advised to equip their cars with five essential items to prepare for the challenging road conditions.
While it's common knowledge that certain items, such as batteries, should be removed from vehicles during hot weather, breakdown specialists at the RAC are also encouraging motorists to add specific items to their cars to cope with the heat.
The breakdown service warns that hot weather can significantly affect drivers, with "20% more failures than usual" occurring during this period. The combination of extreme heat affecting vehicle reliability and the warm weather leading to increased traffic as people seek to enjoy the sunshine, makes breakdowns 'more likely', according to the RAC.
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They have recommended that drivers include five items in their cars to manage the heat while driving during a heatwave.
Although some of these suggestions may seem contradictory to the items you're advised to remove from your car, it's important to note that these are items to keep with you while driving, not items to leave in a parked car during a heatwave, reports the Express.
Firstly, they suggest that drivers should carry an emergency breakdown kit. This should include a first aid kit, hi-vis vests (one for each passenger), and a warning triangle.
Secondly, cold beverages. Whilst reusable plastic water bottles may melt, motoring in sweltering conditions can cause dehydration, so carrying chilled drinks is recommended.
Plastic water bottles stored in a cool, shaded area of the vehicle, or within a coolbox, shouldn't pose any danger.
Thirdly, a mobile phone charger and power bank. Again, ensuring these aren't placed in direct sunlight, a phone charger or power bank will prove essential should you experience a breakdown.
The RAC states: 'If your car breaks down, you'll need your phone to call for help. Keep a spare phone charger in your vehicle.
Many modern cars have USB sockets, which allows you to charge your phone while on the move. '.
Fourth is sun cream. The RAC advises: "Protect yourself from sunburn by packing sunscreen. If you are driving with the windows open or own an open-top car then you can easily become burnt in the summer sun."
Finally, the fifth essential is a coolbag or coolbox. This will safeguard drinks from bursting or melting in the heat, or otherwise spoiling.
The RAC states: "Staying safe in the heat, especially if a breakdown is unavoidable, should be in the mind of every driver.
"Carrying plenty of water for all passengers is a must, as is keeping sunscreen and a sun hat or even umbrella to hand to reduce the ferocity of the sun. When waiting for assistance, look for a safe location in the shade and well away from moving traffic."
Following Tuesday's scorching temperatures of more than 30C, the Met Office forecasts that Nottingham will experience 29C conditions on Friday, marking the hottest day in the upcoming six-day period.