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Mechanics' hot weather petrol tip that could save you money

The heat can have adverse effects on our cars

[Experts have explained how drivers can reduce their fuel costs]

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Petrol can be less efficient in hot weather(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

As high temperatures continue to sweep the nation, automotive experts are warning drivers that the hot weather could be wreaking havoc on vehicles. Exploding tyres, an unexpected empty fuel tank and structural damage are just some of the worst issues our cars could suffer from at the heights of summer.

Mechanics at Bristol Street Motors explain what the hot weather could mean for your car: While we all love a spot of sunshine, hot weather exacerbates any faults which are already present in your vehicle. If left unchecked for too long in hot temperatures, there could be long-term structural damage to your vehicle, which could incur a costly sum to repair.

Luckily, there are Summer Health Checks which act as a summer-specific MOT on your vehicle. These professional health checks ensure your vehicle is safe and that you wont run into any heat-related issues on the road.

To see where you need to be checking, Bristol Street Motors has outlined the five areas of your car most afflicted by hot weather.

Engine coolant levels are likely to run low in hot weather

As the name suggests, you need this vital fluid to keep your engine cool during adverse weather conditions. Along with keeping your cars radiator system flowing in winter, it also prevents overheating in the summer.

If your car overheats when youre out and about, you could incur serious structural damage to your vehicle, so its always best to check the levels as the mercury rises. To do so, take a look under the bonnet for your coolant tank, checking that the level sits between the max and min markers on the side. Bear in mind, however, you can only get an accurate reading once your engine has been off for a while and the car is parked on a flat surface.

Your air conditioning system could have accrued a lot of bacteria over winter

As the temperature rises, blasting the air con is an absolute must to stay cool but did you know you could be spurting out lots of nasty bacteria at the same time? Bacteria build-up is common in cars that havent used the system for a while, such as during a cold winter, so its vital you get this checked out to prevent getting sick.

This isnt something that is easy to do yourself - unless youre a mechanic - so its always best to enlist the help of a professional. They can provide an air conditioning treatment that will kill the bacteria and give your car a lovely fragrance at the same time.

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Hot weather makes tyre pressure crank up

While we might all be conscious of when our tyres are looking flat or running low, we arent always as adept at knowing when the tyre pressure is too high. Heat leads to a rise in pressure, which can cause the air in your tyres to expand and, if it goes too far, could make them explode especially if driving on uneven or rough road surfaces.

To avoid driving with a flat or overinflated tyre, take a look into the optimum tyre pressure for your car in your vehicles handbook and either fill/release air from your tyres at a service station. While youre at it, review any external damage and consider getting your tyres checked out for a professional overview.

High temperatures can damage your car battery

Car batteries are the silent passenger who accompanies you on every drive, ensuring you get to your destination. But if you let it overheat, it could also be the reason your car grinds to a halt.

If your car is often parked in the sun during the day or it is driven infrequently during bouts of hot weather with the windows up, you should get your car battery checked over. Equally, if youre on the hunt for a used car, ask the dealer for a Summer Health Check thrown in to ensure everything is above board.

If your car is sometimes in the sunshine or youre planning a long journey, keep an eye on the temperature gauge on your dashboard. Alternatively, it may display as a warning light. This should tell you when your car is starting to overheat.

If you do spy a warning light, safely pull over and let your car cool down for at least half an hour. Then top up the coolant.

Your fuel levels will drop a lot quicker in hot weather

Did you know that hot weather could cost you at the pumps? Seriously when its hot out, your cars fuel levels drop a lot quicker than usual, causing that 50 petrol top-up to really give you the equivalent of 46 worth of petrol. If youre travelling long distances in boiling weather or leaving a full tank on the driveway for days in standby in the sun, this really adds up.

To take care of the pennies, consider topping up your tank so its only half full. Yes, you will need to visit the petrol station more often, but youll be more fuel efficient and will have a better estimate of how much time you have left before filling up again.

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