Drivers urged to move cars from driveways this Sunday

Motorists across the UK are being warned to move their cars off exposed driveways this Sunday as a surge in hot weather is set to send temperatures soaring to 30°C, bringing with it a wave of vehicle-related heat issues and potential damage to driveways.

The advice comes from car experts and safety organisations who are concerned about the impact of direct sunlight on vehicles left in open areas. Among recent incidents is a report of fizzy drinks exploding inside a car that had been parked in full sun, highlighting the growing risk of heat damage to interiors.

Scrap Car Comparison, a leading vehicle recycling network, is urging drivers to take proactive steps ahead of the heatwave. They’re advising anyone with access to a garage to clear out space and store their vehicle inside, shielding it from harmful UV rays.

For those without garages, shaded areas such as under trees or covered car parks are being recommended, though availability may be limited.

“If you’re lucky enough to own a garage, it’s absolutely worth clearing out the bits and bobs so you can park your vehicle inside, away from the harmful rays of the sun,” the group said.

They added that shaded spaces might be “on the far side of a car park or under a tree filled with pigeons… do we need to explain why?”

The RAC echoed the call, noting that something as simple as parking in the shade can go a long way in protecting vehicles from excessive heat.

They also advised using small cooling strategies, such as shutting upper vents while running the air conditioning and sealing the windows once the interior has cooled, to reduce stress on the car’s system and improve efficiency.

But it's not just vehicles that are under threat. Experts also warn that driveways made of asphalt could suffer serious damage in the heat.

According to Hicks Paving, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the asphalt binder to dry out and become brittle, increasing the risk of cracks and potholes, particularly when a heavy vehicle is parked on it.

“Asphalt naturally expands and contracts with temperature, but in intense summer heat, it can expand too much,” the company warned. This overexpansion can lead to permanent surface damage and, over time, costly repairs.

With weather forecasts showing a clear spike in temperatures for Sunday, experts are urging the public to treat hot weather with the same level of caution they would icy or snowy conditions.