All drivers urged to check this crucial thing before Wednesday

Drivers must check their oil and coolant levels before Wednesday as hot weather could cause serious damage to petrol and diesel vehicles. Another heatwave is set to hit the UK from next week with experts at the Met Office predicting temperatures could hit 28C from Wednesday.

Coolant is one of the most important features of a car in the summer, with the water and glycol solution playing a crucial role in regulating the engine's temperature. Engines can become damaged if they get too hot, with the head gasket and cylinder heads at risk of failing. Pistons and radiators could also develop faults in hot weather, with coolant helping to maintain a steady temperature and keep components working properly.

Coolant typically lasts between two and five years or around 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

It’s not often easy to tell whether motorists are running low on coolant with the tank located under the bonnet, meaning a manual check is vital.

Motoring experts at Valvoline explained: "Naturally, if your car does not have enough coolant, it can overheat at high temperatures and damage the engine.

"Therefore, in your preparation for summer, definitely examine coolant levels. It is easy to find the coolant reservoir under the car's bonnet, open it and check the levels.

"If they are below the mark, top them up with the proper car coolant and get ready to drive."

According to the RAC, a blown head gasket is a "very serious problem" which could lead to costly repairs.

The specialists have stressed that the price to replace the part is a whopping £662, although the total bill will depend on factors such as the make, model and age of a car.

However, CheckaTrade warns costs could be a lot higher, with specialists warning average repair costs could be around the £1,850 mark.

They warn the work could come with supplementary fees including an engine pressure test, glow plugs, coolant, thermostats, and water pumps.

Specialists at GoGirl Car Insurance urged road users to inspect their vehicles before setting off to reduce the chance of suffering issues while behind the wheel.

They said: "To make a breakdown less likely, perform some additional checks before you set out, when your engine’s cold. Check the coolant and oil levels. Top up the oil if it’s too low, and top up the coolant if it’s not between the 'min' and 'max' levels."