A heatwave warning has been given for the UK next week, with temperatures of up to 30C predicted.
This means many Brits will be scrambling to book last minute getaways to make the most of the sunshine, with the #Heatwave hashtag already taking off on X (formerly Twitter).
However, for those planning a road trip or long car journey, it is important to make some car checks before you do so.
Car maintenance experts at Euro Car Parts have issued some essential checks to do prior to any travel over the summer.
From your air conditioning to you windscreen, make sure you've checked all these issues to keep you safe while on the road.
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1. Ensure your tyres are road ready
The experts say you should give your tyres a thorough check before you set off on your trip, commenting: "Your tyre pressure is not only key to how smooth your journey will be but can also impact on your fuel consumption.
“Look in your car’s manual, or inside the fuel tank flap, to find the optimal pressure level. It will vary for front and back tyres, and you can test and modify the pressure at your local petrol station, or at home with a pressure gauge."
2. Make sure your air conditioning is working
To make sure you're not travelling in sweltering temperatures run a check on your air con system to make sure it’s in top condition. They experts said: "Signs that your air con could be faulty are that the air blowing out is warm, there is minimal or no air blowing out or it starts making a rattling noise.
"Other indications of damage could also be having condensation on the bottom of your windscreen or a bad odour coming through the vents.
"One way of checking that your air con is functioning is by lifting the bonnet whilst your air con is on and if you can hear a ticking sound it is fully functioning and ready to be used. If not, then you may need this professionally looked at."
3. Refill all the vital fluids
Before a long car journey, make sure to check your car is fully topped up with windscreen wiper fluid, especially during the summer months, dirt and dust can accumulate on windshields, so being able to safely and quickly clean them is essential.
The experts said: "You can find the windshield fluid reservoir under the bonnet and top it up with fluid to the maximum line.
"If your car hasn’t been serviced recently, it may be a good idea to check your engine oil. Pop the bonnet whilst the engine is cool and pull out the dipstick. Wipe the end of the stick and put it back into its slot before pulling out again to clearly see the oil levels. If the oil is sitting below the lowest line on the dipstick, then you will need to top up your oil immediately."
4. Make sure your battery doesn't die
Most drivers are aware that car batteries are at a high risk of dying over the winter but what many people don’t realise is that the problems from this usually start in summer. The experts say: "When the temperature increases your battery ages faster meaning you’re at higher risk of it dying before your journey.
“The best way to protect the battery (and your wallet) before hitting the road is to keep your car parked in a shaded area where it can remain cool, so it won’t be as affected by the heat.
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"Increasing your journey time can also help as short journeys, with a lot of starts and stops, don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery so take advantage of the warm weather and walk shorter journeys if possible.”
5. Keep on top of windscreen chips
The experts say: "During the warmer months local authorities tend to place focus on outdoor work meaning there’s more chance of roadworks taking place around the country, especially on bank holiday weekends.
"Besides causing travel chaos, it is important to be aware of loose debris and gravel from roadworks that cause scrapes and chips in your windscreen, or resolving these if you already have a chipped/cracked windscreen.”
6. Put a safety box together
When it comes to driving, you must be prepared to face the unexpected, which is why having a safety box on board is essential if you encounter any problems on the road.
The experts say: "The point is to prepare for a number of unexpected issues, so should include items such as jump leads, a tyre pressure gage, a warning triangle, first aid kit, phone charger, torch, spare clothing, blankets and a high vis vest."
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