UK Heatwave Alert: Drivers Risk £2,000 Fine for Vehicle Neglect
As the UK braces for a heatwave, drivers are being warned that they risk incurring costly damage to their vehicles and facing fines of up to £2,000 if they fail to take proper care of their cars during the high temperatures.
Louis Rix, founder of CarFinance247, has highlighted the potential dangers that sunshine and heat can pose to motorbikes, cars, vans, and trucks. “Sunshine might feel great for a drive, but it can quietly wreak havoc on your vehicle,” he cautioned. “UV rays can fade paintwork and crack interiors, hot roads can lead to tyre blowouts, and overheating engines can cause serious damage.”
Rix emphasized that these issues are preventable with the right summer care but could cost drivers upwards of £2,000 if ignored. Common problems cited included underinflated tyres and unclear windscreens.
To avoid such costly repairs, Rix recommends several summer care tips for vehicle owners:
- Use a windscreen sunshade or park in shaded areas whenever possible to protect the dashboard from cracking and prevent the car’s paintwork from fading due to prolonged UV exposure.
- Check coolant levels regularly throughout summer, as the engine works harder in hot weather, and low coolant can quickly lead to overheating, risking serious and costly damage.
- Have the battery tested before long summer journeys, as high temperatures accelerate internal wear and can cause older or weaker batteries to fail unexpectedly.
- Inspect tyre pressure every week, as heat causes air to expand, and over-inflated or worn-out tyres are more likely to blow out, especially on hot tarmac or motorway drives.
- Wash and wax the car regularly during the summer months to remove damaging dirt and create a protective layer that shields the paint from sun damage, bird droppings, and road grime.
The Met Office has forecast a UK heatwave to kick off in the coming days, with temperatures expected to rise significantly. By following these simple maintenance tips, drivers can help ensure their vehicles remain in good condition and avoid the risk of costly fines and repairs.
