Your tyres lose more air during warm weather, so make sure you check your tyre pressure regularly. (For your safety, do this all year round. See Tyre Care for more information.)

Take something to eat and drink in case of traffic congestion.

Do not fill the fuel tank to the brim on very hot days. Fuel, like most liquids, expands and overfilling can lead to petrol leaking out of the filter neck of the fuel tank, or breather.

If planning to tow a caravan or trailer, check your car's brakes and tyres very carefully. (See your car manual for what your tyre pressure and tread should be.) Also, examine the caravan tyre for signs of splitting or cracks in the wall or tread.

Don't overload a vehicle or caravan beyond its carrying capacity. This causes your car to use more petrol than necessary and makes it more difficult to manoeuvre your car. It also puts extra pressure on your tyres which can cause the tread to separate from the tyre. This will continue even after you've unloaded your car.

When your car is loaded, you'll need more braking distance between yourself and the car in front.

Keep tuned to radio reports for traffic congestion and road works.

Make sure your tyre pressure is what it should be (check your car manual). High temperatures can combine with under inflation to increase the risk of punctures or blow-outs.

Make sure your coolant reservoir levels are always topped up. Failure to do so could result in expensive damage.

Four in ten motorway accidents are a result of tiredness. This is compounded by high temperatures. Make frequent stops and avoid heavy meals before and during your journey. It's also a good idea to keep windows open and let fresh air into the car.