Drivers whose vehicles don’t have effective air conditioning are being urged to stay off the roads during the ongoing heatwave.
The RAC has urged motorists to potentially postpone non-essential journeys during this week’s heatwave.
The Met Office issued a red weather warning for extreme heat for parts of England on Wednesday and Thursday.
Much of the rest of the UK is still set to be hit by the upcoming heatwave, with temperatures of up to near 40C felt in some places.
While some of us welcome the hot weather, it can cause some people to become unwell.
Follow @UKHSA advice to stay safe in the heat:
👉Drink lots of water
👉Apply sun cream generously!
👉Find shade where you can
👉Look out for vulnerable friends and neighbours
More tips for… pic.twitter.com/TPNjnFfrWs— Met Office (@metoffice) June 22, 2026
RAC warning to UK drivers over driving without aircon
Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, said: "Those warnings are rare and we urge everyone to take them seriously this week.
"Drivers whose vehicles don’t have effective air conditioning should strongly consider postponing any non-essential car journeys until the Met Office’s weather warnings are lifted and temperatures drop.
"If this isn’t possible, our best advice is to travel during cooler times of day."
Mr Dennis said this week could end up being a record-breaking one for June in terms of the number of call-outs to broken down vehicles.
He said: "Our last busiest June was three years ago, but there’s every chance that could be eclipsed this week as temperatures soar.
"Today, we expect breakdown volumes to be around 20% higher than what’s normal for a Monday in late June.
"We ask anyone who breaks down to be patient while breakdown providers prioritise the most urgent roadside jobs.
"The heatwave will affect services right across the UK and while all patrols will be working incredibly hard to assist drivers, longer waits are more likely."
Amid the aircon warning and upcoming heatwave, Halfords is offering a free air conditioning check.
The complimentary service is being offered at its retail stores nationwide to support motorists.
If drivers want to receive a free air con check, they will need to input their licence plate number on the Halfords website.
From there, they will be able to book the check at their nearest store, which includes an assessment of output temperature and refrigerant levels to ensure the system is operating effectively.
If the check reveals a leak or a more complex issue, drivers can visit a Halfords Autocentre for a comprehensive Air Conditioning Diagnostic Check, which is £34.99.
This diagnostic includes:
- A temperature check
- A refrigerant check
- A leak test (using nitrogen)
- An inspection of key components, including the compressor, condenser, drive belts and hoses
Halfords adds: "Once the above checks have been completed, our team will then give you the option of the following service, during which we will replace and recharge lubricant and refrigerant levels in line with your manufacturer's recommendation."
This service could cost £74.99 or £139.99, depending on what type of refrigerant the car uses.
Road surface warning due to heatwave
Drivers have also been warned about the possibility of road surfaces softening in the extreme heat.
AA president Edmund King said gritters could be seen on the roads, not spreading salt, but laying down sand.
He said: "Some roads may begin to soften when surface temperatures get towards 50C, particularly older or more vulnerable surfaces.
"The main risk for drivers is not that the road suddenly ‘melts’ everywhere, but that patches can become tacky or uneven.
"That can affect braking, steering and grip, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists, and can also throw up loose material."
He said surface temperatures can near 50C when air temperatures are in the low to mid 30s.
Last month, the A143 in Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, was among the roads in East Anglia that began to melt during hot weather.
Mr King said heat also puts vehicles under extra strain, with tyres more likely to fail if they are under-inflated, damaged, or old.
He also warned that pets should never be left in cars during hot weather, as interiors can quickly become as hot as an oven.
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Heatwave to cause travel issues
The heatwave is also causing travel disruption on the railways.
Great Western Railway is running a reduced service between London Paddington and Reading until Friday due to concerns over points failures in high temperatures.
Transport for Wales has reported disruption across its network, including between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay, and between Coryton and Penarth.
South Western Railway said some services may be cancelled or amended at short notice.
Passengers are being advised to check journeys before travelling and carry water to stay hydrated.
What are you going to do to stay cool during the heatwave? Let us know in the comments.
