Coastal and other tourist routes are set to become breakdown hotspots this weekend, with thousands of extra car journeys expected due to the 30c heatwave.
The warning comes from the RAC as it warns its data shows call-outs go up by as much as 50% as the temperature rises. As a benchmark, during gthe final weekend of June 2018 – which saw similarly hot temperatures – the RAC attend twice the expected number of breakdowns in places like North Devon and North Wales, Pembrokeshire, Canterbury and the North York Moors, with a similar picture expected this coming weekend.
Hot weather breakdowns are typically caused by issues including tyre blow-outs – poorly inflated tyres or those that are wearing up are more susceptible in the heat – engines overhearing, people running out of fuel mid-journey, and even an increase in misfuels as drivers get flustered by the heat at the pumps.
RAC patrol of the year Ben Aldous said problems tend to occur in vehicles that are older or haven’t been as well looked after.
“We also know from previous years that it’s roads to the beaches and other beauty spots like the moors, Lake District and highlands that see the largest numbers of stranded drivers. Yet checking simple things like coolant and oil levels, as well as tyre tread and pressure, can stack the odds of a smooth journey in every driver’s favour and prevent a breakdown happening in the first place.
“Put simply – spending just moments checking things before you drive off could save you hours stuck in the heat at the roadside not doing what you set out to do,” he added.
