Motorists should not park on their driveway on Wednesday as hot weather is set to bathe the UK in another mini-heatwave. Temperatures are set to soar from Wednesday with the much warmer weather remaining in place until next weekend.
According to the latest weather forecasts from the Met Office, temperatures in London could hit 25C from Wednesday. Temperatures will then rise to 26C on Friday, remaining in the mid-20s into Saturday. The warm weather will likely see some road users getting out of their cars and heading out for the day to enjoy the sun. However, it may be wise to park a vehicle away from a driveway, with the heat likely to play havoc with road surfaces and cabin temperatures.
According to Smart Surfacing Solutions, the hot weather is likely to impact driveway materials, with damage to the tarmac floor likely.
They said: “Tarmac and asphalt are popular for driveways thanks to their smooth finish and curb appeal.
“But during heatwaves, these surfaces can soften, causing dents and even rutting when tyres park in the same spot. Oil within the mix may rise, making the surface sticky and prone to tracking.
“To help your tarmac driveway last, keep it clear of parked cars during the hottest parts of the day. Hose down the surface with cool water in the evening, if you spot softening.”
They warned that some surfaces may be prone to melting in the extreme heat, while others could simply crack or fade.
According to experts, small cracks and holes can be easy to fix with simple-to-use DIY kits.
Melted surfaces could be helped by restricting vehicle access and allowing the tarmac surface to cool and harden before going into any repairs.
Alongside the potential road damage, parking on a driveway in direct sunlight could be a major issue for road users.
While stopped up, cabin temperatures will soar, meaning conditions inside the vehicle could become unbearable.
It means when drivers return to their vehicle, the cabin is likely to be extremely warm which could be a safety risk.
High temperatures can lead to drowsiness which will decrease alertness and possibly even slower reaction times.,
Experts at Drake Law Firm stressed: “Fatigue, compounded by the stress of extreme heat, can cause a driver to become drowsy or even fall asleep at the wheel, greatly increasing the likelihood of an accident.”