Drivers are being urged to follow a certain rule this week when on the roads as the UK is set for another spell of 30C heat. According to the Met Office, the third heatwave of the year is expected to bring a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather.
Conditions are expected to be less humid than during June’s heatwave, with lower peak temperatures and fewer exceptionally warm nights. Temperatures are expected to climb into the low 30s Celsius across much of southern England from the start of the week, with some locations potentially reaching 34-35C later in the week.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: “Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year. However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking.”
The hot conditions mean people will need to take safety measures to avoid heat-related illnesses or risks, such as applying suncream, staying hydrated and staying in shaded areas. For drivers, there are additional rules to follow, not only to stay cool for their own safety, but also to save fuel.
Mike Fazal, motoring expert and CEO of Leasing.com says drivers and save fuel with the ’45mph air-con rule’ this summer. With the third heatwave of the year arriving, many drivers will be looking for ways to keep cool behind the wheel.
While car air conditioning is an obvious solution, knowing when to use it could actually help save fuel. Fazal explains: “A simple rule drivers can follow is the 45mph rule.
“Below that speed, it’s usually more fuel efficient to open your windows and let air flow through the cabin. Once travelling faster than around 45mph, especially on dual carriageways or motorways, open windows create aerodynamic drag that makes the engine work harder.
“At that point, using the air conditioning can actually become the more fuel-efficient choice.” Research suggests air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by around 10%, while driving with windows open at higher speeds can increase fuel use by up to 20%.
Another important aspect drivers need to keep in mind when getting behind the wheel in summer is their footwear choices. Hot weather often means many drivers swap their usual shoes for flip-flops, clogs or Crocs, but not all summer footwear is suited to driving.
Anything that slips off easily or makes it harder to feel the pedals could affect your control of the vehicle. Fazal says: “Drivers need to be in full control of their vehicle at all times.
“If your footwear slips, becomes caught or makes it harder to operate the pedals safely, it could contribute to a careless driving offence. While flip-flops and Crocs might be comfortable in hot weather, they’re not the best choice behind the wheel. Over summer try keeping a pair of trainers in the car and changing into them before setting off.”
Careless driving offences can result in three to six penalty points and fines of up to £5,000, while more serious cases may carry five to nine penalty points, driving disqualification and, in the most severe circumstances, unlimited fines.
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