Drivers urged not to wash cars this weekend

Drivers are being urged not to wash their cars this weekend in order to avoid paying over £1,000. The advice comes as the UK is expected to experience scorching heat this weekend with temperatures exceeding 30C in various parts of the country.

Now, Mike Fazal, motoring expert and CEO at Leasing.com, has explained how a sudden change in temperatures can severely impact cars and result in serious damage.

The expert explained that sudden temperature changes can cause thermal shock, a mechanical failure of material. Its impacts include cracks in car windscreens and windows, which can result in hefty repair costs.

It is highly advised against washing your car while it has been left in the scorching sun. Instead, Mike recommends doing this simple thing beforehand.

He said: "Let your car cool naturally before washing to avoid expensive damage."

The expert's research revealed that, depending on the car's make and model, replacing a windscreen could cost drivers between £260 and a huge £1,350.

Therefore, what may seem like a small summer mistake can come with big costs.

Temperatures are expected to hit as high as 33C this weekend with the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) issuing the first yellow heat health alert of the year for four regions. The warning for the Midlands, South and East England, Yorkshire and Humber and London is in place from Wednesday, June 18 to Sunday, June 22.

Met Office scientists have also recently revealed in a new study that the likelihood of extreme temperatures in the UK is increasing.

Dr Gillian Kay, senior scientist at the Met Office, and lead study author said: "The chance of exceeding 40C has been rapidly increasing, and it is now over 20 times more likely than it was in the 1960s. Because our climate continues to warm, we can expect the chance to keep rising.

"We estimate a 50-50 chance of seeing a 40C day again in the next 12 years. We also found that temperatures several degrees higher than we saw in July 2022 are possible in today's climate."