Give yourself the best chance of a relaxing drive by parking in the shade or using sunshades on hot days. Allowing a few extra minutes to open doors and windows to circulate warm air, or running your air-con will help cool your car down and avoid immediate discomfort from the heat before setting off.

The latest in in-car tech even allows you to pre-set your perfect temperature before setting foot inside. Enjoy the luxury of adjusting up to four-climate controlled zones within your car, meaning you and your passengers are at peak comfort in all weathers.

Car engines get extremely hot in warm weather, especially in standstill traffic, so ensure your coolant is always topped up.

For cars without stop-start technology, it is a good idea to turn off your engine during traffic. Contrary to popular belief, restarting your engine will not burn more fuel than if you had you sat with your engine in ‘idle’ for more than 10 seconds.

According to the NHS, around 10 million people suffer from hay fever in England alone – a condition which can be very problematic when driving.

The last place you want to be constantly sneezing is at the wheel of a car going at 70mph, but hay fever tablets are known to have side effects such as blurred vision and drowsiness, which could impair a person’s ability to drive.

Therefore, always check the label of your medication before taking them – especially if you’re planning on driving shortly afterwards.

On hot, sunny days people flock to beer gardens, barbeques and festivals. As a result, summer drink driving becomes a major problem each year.

Before heading out to a summer social event, consider how you are going to get home. Don’t drink if you’re driving and find another method of transport if you want to drink. This way you can enjoy the hot weather without putting yours and other people’s lives at risk.

Tyre blowouts are a more common occurrence in hotter weather.

According to the AA, tyres with existing damage that are under inflated will become even more aggravated in higher temperatures, which increases the likelihood of blowouts and punctures.

Before setting off, it is extremely important to check your tyre pressure is at the optimum level, as well as anything you may be towing.

Drivers have to share the roads with a lot more than just other cars during the summer months. Better weather and longer days attract far more tractors, caravans, horse riders, cyclists and walkers.

It’s vital to remain alert when driving along country lanes in particular, and to avoid any risks when overtaking that could cause an accident.

Motorcyclists appear more often too, so always look twice to ensure you’re aware of what’s around you.

Finally, in Britain we always pay the price for little good weather we get. Be prepared to adapt your driving style in the event of any sharp changes in weather, as driving through heavy storms comes with a totally different set of challenges.