Latest news with #carexpert
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Parking spot you don't want to put car in during hot weather – it's ‘the worst thing you can do' & could cost you £1800
EXPERTS have warned of a parking spot you should steer clear of in hot weather. With temperatures set to ramp up to 30C again towards the end of the week, drivers may be tempted to park cars under shady trees, to stop them from overheating. 2 And although this may seem like a smart idea, Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko revealed that this could actually be the worst place to park your vehicle. Tree sap damage The car expert explained that if you park your motor under a tree it could get covered in tree sap or bird droppings. And although this may not seem like the worst problem, it could lead to thousands of pounds worth of damage. Kazmieras revealed that the sap and droppings will not only make your car look dirty, it will also likely damage the bodywork of your vehicle. He added that this could also affect the value of your motor, meaning that it will be worth less when you want to sell it on. The expert explained: "Most people don't realise that parking under trees can actually be one of the worst things you can do for your car's paintwork. 'What seems like a convenient, shaded spot can lead to damage that affects both the appearance and value of your vehicle.' More of a problem during summer Tree sap poses a greater risk in the summer months, as trees produce more of the substance during this time, and the hot weather bakes the sap on to cars. It is a good idea to regularly inspect your car during the summer months, to check for any damage from tree sap. Removing the sap as soon as you notice it will help to reduce the possibility of long term damage. Kazmieras added: 'Tree sap doesn't just sit on the surface. "It actually penetrates the clear coat and can cause permanent staining. "In hot weather, the sap becomes more corrosive and can eat through the protective layers of your paintwork.' How to remove tree sap If the damage to your car isn't particularly severe, you can remove if yourself using household products such as rubbing alcohol, WD-40, or cooking oil. To use these products, simply apply them to a micro-fibre cloth, and then gently rub the affected area. Make sure to wash the product off with water, and then reapply wax or sealant to protect the paint. However, if the damage is more severe, you may have to pay a professional to get the paint corrected, which could set you back as much as £1800. The expert added that bird droppings can also cause serious damage to vehicles. He said: "'The acidic nature of bird waste can cause immediate damage, especially when left in direct sunlight. "What starts as an unsightly mess can quickly become a permanent mark that requires expensive paint correction.'
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Every driver in Britain must make vital car check as temperatures soar and heatwave ‘likely' this weekend
If you fail to do the check, scalding steam could rush out of your engine HOT WHEELS Every driver in Britain must make vital car check as temperatures soar and heatwave 'likely' this weekend DRIVERS have been warned to make a vital car check as temperatures across the UK soar. The easy check can save you thousands and makes sure that your car won't overheat in the scorching sunshine. Advertisement 3 One easy check on your car could save you thousands this summer Credit: Getty 3 The check is more important than ever when temperatures are higher Credit: Getty If your coolant levels are too low, then your car could quickly overheat. Vehicles don't actually use more coolant when the weather is hot, but overheat much more easily when the coolant is low. When refilling your coolant, your engine must be off - for your own safety. Then, fill the tank up to the "full" or "max" mark. Advertisement If your car overheats, the cost to repair it can be astronomical so this one easy check could save you a huge amount of money. In the event that your car does start overheating, you must pull over as soon as you can - when it is safe. Switch on your hazard lights and get all passengers out of the car,. If possible, open your bonnet and take a big step back in case hot steam rushes out. Advertisement Finally, leave your car for 30 minutes to let the engine cool down. There are several other checks that can keep your car road-ready in the hot weather. Car expert urges drivers to do two maintenance checks before summer heat – 'quarter test' could save on a tow Tyre pressure can be affected by warmer weather, as the heat can cause the air inside the tyres to expand. This can cause your tyre pressure to skyrocket, which comes with a host of issues. Advertisement Not only does this increase the chance of tyre wear, but it can cause damage to your suspension - which is costly to repair. Some engine oils should also be replaced during periods of hot weather, if their viscosity will be affected by heat. The news comes as the UK braces for a heatwave which has already begun to smash records. Yesterday, Britain saw its hottest day of the year so far with temperatures in the South East climbing to 32.2C. Advertisement In order to qualify as a heatwave, temperatures must be consistently reach a threshold temperature for at least three consecutive days. In the North and West of England, that temperature is 25C where it is 30C in the South. This weekend, meteorologists expect that the South East could see highs of a sweltering 33C, as the heatwave continues. Advertisement Today, experts have warned that parts of the country could experience highs of 29C which has led thousands of Brits to flock to beaches across the country.
