The heat continues to rage this summer in France. The country is going through its 3rd heat wave this week and temperatures around 40 degrees are still expected in several departments, especially in the south-west. In these conditions, the priority remains of course to take care of yourself and your loved ones. But, we are not the only ones to suffer from this extreme heat. Our cars also bear it badly. It is therefore better to take precautions to avoid disappointments during your vacation.
The risk is not limited to a hot steering wheel and a stuffy interior. When the mercury panics, the heat, combined with a gasoline leak on the vehicle, is likely to cause a fire to start, warns La Dépêche. “The slightest drop of diesel” can be enough to cause a fire, indicates the daily.
The other major hazard is rubber degradation. Tires are liable to explode if left exposed to the sun and hot bitumen for too long. It is also advisable to inflate them well to limit the risks. The seals, present around the windows or doors, can also deteriorate during heat waves and no longer play their role. You could notice it during the next rain with infiltrations in your passenger compartment.
To avoid these inconveniences, the best solution is of course to park in the shade as soon as possible. Installing reflective sun visors also limits the risks if you have to park in direct sunlight.
Last tip: inspect your car well before you leave. Some items can do damage or degrade in the sweltering heat of your cabin. This is the case, for example, of medicines, deodorants, electronic devices or even lighters.
