Driving in extremely hot weather can be dangerous, but not everyone realises this.

Brakes can become overheated and tyres could blow out. High temperatures can even affect other parts of your car, including the battery and fuel.

Online leasing company LeaseCar.uk has revealed seven ways hot weather could be harmful for your car.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk commented: “Many people think that winter is supposed to be the toughest season for drivers, but scorching temperatures and hot sun can be just as dangerous.

“Despite modern cars being built to withstand extreme changes in temperature, prolonged exposure to sweltering conditions has the potential to cause issues.

“In the height of summer, when cars have to work in hot and dry conditions for weeks at a time, this can impact on performance and safety, so it’s important to keep on top of maintenance and upkeep.”

1. Brakes

Overheating brakes can increase stopping distances and in worst cases lead to total brake failure.

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2. Tyres

The rubber can disintegrate in hot temperatures and even more so if the tyre is under-inflated. Driving on under-inflated tyres in high temperatures can increase the chances of a blow-out by 60 per cent.

The heat can also make the air inside the tyre expand, causing over-inflation and, in extreme circumstances, bulging of the tyre wall.

3. Coolant

Cooling systems rely on coolant/antifreeze to keep all parts of the engine cool. On a hot day, this liquid runs around the engine at a higher temperature, causing some parts of the engine to overheat and fail.

Cooling system problems are more likely to happen during low-speed driving, when there’s less air circulating through the fan at the front of the car to cool the radiator. So while crawling along the motorway in heavy traffic, keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge.

4. Engine Oil

When running in heat, the oil circulating around the engine will thin slightly due to the heat. This can mean that some parts of the engine don’t get the protection they need, so making sure you change the oil when necessary is particularly important in the summer months.

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5. Fuel

Fuel evaporates quicker in a hot car than it does in a cold one, so keeping your car in a shaded area will save on accelerated fuel consumption.

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6. Battery

Very hot weather can hinder the chemical processes inside car batteries, which means they’ll struggle to hold charge and produce enough power. This problem is made worse by the increased load from the air conditioning system, fans, windows and electrically-operated convertible roofs – meaning that some batteries can struggle to cope during prolonged spells of hot weather.

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7. Air conditioning

If you don’t maintain your car’s air conditioning system throughout the year, it might not have the power to cool you down when the temperatures really start to climb. Air conditioners need regular maintenance to keep them working at their best. They can become clogged with regular use, which can not only hinder their performance, but could leave your car’s cabin smelling fusty.

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