Motorists urged to turn car heating up this summer to help engine

The latest Met Office forecast shows the UK to remain warm for the next week, with temperatures hitting 24C on multiple occasions.

With the warm weather continuing and more people going on holidays or staycations, the risk of engines overheating could be more present.

High temperatures mixed with coolant systems not functioning correctly can lead to serious damage and expensive repairs.

However, Nationwide is giving drivers surprising advice to help cool their engines by turning on the heating.

On its website, the experts said an engine which runs too hot can damage the vehicle and endanger the driver and other road users.

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However, there were things that drivers could do which can minimise the risk and potentially even temporarily reverse the problem.

It said: “Turning on the heat might be the last thing you want to do on a hot summer day, but it can pull hot air from the engine compartment and cool the engine. 

“It won’t fix the underlying problem, but it’s a good measure for long drives until you can have the car inspected and repaired.”

Similarly, Elite Auto Experts also urged drivers to heed the advice in a bid to cool their engines down and prevent further damage.

In the event that an engine is overheating, drivers should remain calm and when it is safe to do so, pull over and turn the engine off.

The advice continued, saying: “Turn on your vehicle’s heater till you find an area to park.

“Yes. This is not just rumour or lore. Make sure the air conditioner is off, and crank that heat.”

Having the heater on can pull heat away from the engine, thus transferring the heat, and allowing drivers to pull over if they have not done so.

In some cases, according to Elite Auto Experts, it may be enough to reverse the overheating process.

They should stop their car as soon as they can and give it at least 15 minutes to rest, with drivers urged to seek professional help if it continues to happen.