Ten ways to make sure YOUR engine does not overheat this summer

RISING temperatures mean millions of motorists will be desperate to keep their car’s cool over the coming months.

Thankfully, there are several ways to do just that – and some are surprisingly straightforward.

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Britain will be hotter than Rome this week as the mercury soars beyond 20C.

And the above-average temperatures are expected to continue well into next month.

So before you plan your days out in the sunshine, remember Ollie Green from Collect Service Go‘s top 10 ways to ensure your engine doesn’t overheat.

1. Monitor oil weekly

As temperatures rise, oil becomes thinner, making it harder to lubricate the engine.

This can increase wear on certain parts and could eventually result in a breakdown.

To avoid this, and keep the engine’s performance in the best condition, make sure to oil your car with a suitable, thick coat that will maintain thickness during hot weather.

2. Keep air-con in check

Looking after your vehicle’s air-conditioning system is key to preventing it from internally overheating – and it will help it last longer.

Because the air will usually become depleted over time, you may need to tighten up or replace belts within the system.

Air-con filters can also get clogged up, so check your air filters every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.

Make sure to read the service schedule and maintenance guides for advice on this. 

3. Watch temperature gauge and coolant levels

Ensure your car’s cooling system is regularly filled to the correct level.

Remember, low coolant is a common cause of overheating.

Drivers are also urged to check their coolant isn’t past its sell-by date, as out-of-date coolant can leave deposits in the engine.

4. Carry a tyre gauge

Summer heat can cause over-inflation of tyres as the rubber generates more friction on hot roads.

Make sure to store a tyre gauge in your car for quick and regular checks – measure the pressure daily during a heatwave.

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5. Park in the shade

It might sound simple, but picking a place to park on a hot day can make or break your engine.

Aim for a space that’s going to be shady at midday when it’s likely to be hottest.

Your best bet is to go for a spot where the sun is behind you as this will keep the steering wheel and front seats cooler.

Finding a space under a tree or sheltered by some form of cover is one of the easiest ways to prevent your car from heating up.

But the best place of all? A garage or covered car park where your vehicle will be cool and safe.

6. Buy a windscreen sunshade

Windscreen sunshades block the heat from your car’s interior.

Not only does this prevent your car from overheating, it also keeps the steering wheel, gear stick and seats cool to touch.

While specialist sun shields are a great option, cheap reflective screens are available to buy online or from most car accessory shops and do a great job.

7. Cover your seats

Dark and leather seats naturally attract more heat and can get uncomfortable to sit on when too hot.

They could also become damaged if regularly exposed to heat.

Fitting a light-coloured seat cover is one solution. However, placing a blanket or towel over the seats is also just as effective.

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8. Avoid pre-cooling

Your car’s air-con won’t be as effective if you pre-cool your car first.

This is because the air compressor runs faster when the engine is running.

Instead, wait a moment before getting into your car, opening the doors and windows to allow the hot air to escape.

Angling your air-con vents upwards will also allow the air to spread more evenly around your car, cooling it more efficiently.

As heat rises, you should also make sure to use the lower air-con fans found in the footwells if available.

This will force the hot air upwards and out of the open windows.

9. Crack windows when parked

Opening your windows a couple of centimetres when parked allows cooler air to circulate through the car.

Of course only do this when safe as it could attract a break-in, but a tiny gap between the top of the glass and the door frame could make all the difference.

10. Wipe down hot surfaces 

Finally, regularly checking surfaces at risk of overheating is also a good idea.

On hot days, the inside door handles, handbrake, gear stick, and steering wheel may become hot to touch.

Wiping them over with a damp cold cloth will solve this issue – plus it will reduce accidents for you and your passengers.