Drivers urged to remove three items from cars before UK heatwave

Motorists are being urged to remove three items from their vehicles as the heatwave intensifies. The soaring summer temperatures can unexpectedly compromise your safety while driving.

A yellow heat health warning has been issued this week, with the Met Office predicting temperatures could reach 29C. The UK Health Security Agency has also cautioned about potential life-threatening risks.

Drivers are now being advised to remove three specific items before the heat escalates. Firstly - bottled water. It's not uncommon to forget a water bottle in the car after a long day, but as the mercury rises, chemicals from the plastic can seep into the water, rendering it unsafe for consumption, reports the Express.

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In extreme cases, they can even act as a magnifying glass for sunlight and potentially start a fire inside the vehicle. The safest option is to remove the bottle from the car to ensure both the vehicle's safety and the water's freshness.

Secondly, medication. Many people may not be aware that common over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol, calpol, and other pain relievers have a maximum temperature at which they remain effective.

Leaving a pack of painkillers in a hot car could cause them to lose their efficacy or become entirely ineffective. In fact, most commercial painkillers and medicines can only withstand temperatures below 26C - meaning you could inadvertently exacerbate your symptoms.

Sun cream, also known as sun block or sunscreen, is another issue when left in a hot car. It can go off inside the bottle and could even explode due to the pressure in the heat. It's advised to treat it like out of date sun cream and replace it.

What should you keep in your car during a heatwave?

Make sure you have plenty of petrol (or diesel) because fuel runs out faster in a heatwave. You also need to ensure the car has enough water and oil, both of which are vital on hot days, and that your aircon gas is topped up.

Other than that, take care and drive carefully in the sunshine and keep an eye on your engine's temperature gauge to avoid costly breakdowns in the sun.