“Slow down and expect the unexpected.”
With temperatures set to reach as high as 30 degrees this week and a fire warning issued by the Department of Agriculture, motorists have been advised to take extra caution during the hottest week of the year.
AA Ireland is urging drivers to be mindful of all potential dangers and to keep a close eye on their vehicles as the week unfolds.
“Although a week of sunshine is most definitely welcomed, the change in weather can pose extra challenges for motorists,” begins the official AA statement.
“Behind the wheel of a car you are never more than a careless moment away from danger, so staying focused on your driving on hot days is of utmost importance.”
Motorists are advised to watch their stress levels due to an increase in pedestrians on the street, and are encouraged to drive slowly and be extra vigilant in residential areas.
Commenting ahead of the warmest week of the year so far, AA Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan noted that, “Harsh sunlight and glare can make it difficult to see vulnerable road users.”
He also urged motorists to be mindful of children and cyclists.
“We know that a week like this will see lots of kids out and about, and you never know when a child could run out on the street after a football. We also see more cyclists taking to the roads and a general increase in traffic volumes.
“It all adds to the danger so the advice is as always to slow down and expect the unexpected.”
AA Ireland suggest keeping windscreens clean or replacing worn or damaged windscreen wipers in a bid to reduce the risk of glare.
Faughnan points to the effect of hay fever on drivers during a high pollen count, and suggests perhaps getting someone else to take the wheel.
“But if you must get behind the wheel, close windows and air vents to reduce pollen grains in the car and wear wraparound sunglasses to reduce eye irritation,” he says.
“Make sure any medication you’re taking doesn’t cause drowsiness and clean mats and carpets regularly to get rid of dust.”
In addition to their own behaviour, drivers are asked to ensure that their tyres and engine are in good condition, as higher temperatures increase the risk of a blowout.
According to the AA Rescue team, more breakdowns occur in Dublin around beaches and lakes. There is also a tendency for the number of breakdowns to increase in areas such as the sunny south east and west.
One of the most common scenarios that results in an AA Rescue call-out is air conditioning runoff being mistaken as a water leak from the car.
With high temperatures placing a heavy demand on all engine components, it is advisable to check the coolant and cooling system regularly to avoid overheating.
Motorists are urged to check engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and break fluid to make sure they’re all at the recommended levels.
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