Drivers rushing to snap up stunning deal to ‘boost car’s air con’ ahead of August heat – but there’s a catch
DRIVERS are rushing to snap up a stunning deal giving them 30% an “air con recharge” ahead of this week’s heat.
After weeks of rain and unexpectedly mild weather, temperatures are set to soar to 30C in the coming days, according to the Met Office.
Sunshine is expected to finally return in the second half of the week, with Brits sizzling in the heat by Friday.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow alert warning “vulnerable individuals” to take care.
However, drivers should also be cautious, especially as research shows that an hour sitting on a 26C day could send the internal temperature of your car above 50C.
Thankfully, pretty much all modern cars have an air conditioning system built in, but some might not know that this needs regular servicing to be as effective as possible.
The maintenance, known as regassing, involves refreshing the coolant in the pipes around the compressor which cools the air as it passes through the intake into the cabin.
How to keep cool in a heatwave
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS...
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
Over time the coolant loses its effectiveness and degrades, making it harder to take the heat out of the air and maintain a lower temperature inside the vehicle.
With hot weather on the horizon, it’s a good idea to book your air con in for a service, especially if it hasn’t had one this year already.
The only problem is that this can cost over £100, especially during summer when everyone is rushing to have it done.
However, ATS Euromaster is running a bargain offer through couponing site Groupon.
This sees subscribers to the site able to access the firm’s “Aircon Recharge” service for just £44.99 – down from £64.99.
That’s a saving of 31% compared to the original price.
The company is also offering a full regas, worth £129.99, for £96.99.
And there are two tiers of aircon antibacterial servicing, which can help eliminate bacteria and bad smells in the system, both reduced by over 20%.
Customers gave rave, five-star reviews for the service in the comments section.
One wrote: “Friendly staff & very obliging.”
Another added: “Highly recommended, will use again without hesitation.”
How to dress in a heatwave
SUMMER is finally here with temperatures soaring this weekend, but it has been so long since we dressed for the warmer weather - what should we wear?The Sun’s fashion team is here to help with a cut-out-and-keep guide to heatwave attire.
Clemmie Fieldsend and Abby McHale reveal the ultimate dos and don’ts so that you never suffer from unsightly tan lines, sweaty patches or wardrobe malfunctions again.
Cover up
While you might be tempted to put on your skimpiest outfit when the mercury rises above 25C, it has actually been proven that staying covered up can keep you cooler.
We’re not saying wear your winter coat and wrap up. You should wear a light breathable fabric such as cotton – look for flowy midi skirts, dresses or wide leg trousers which will billow and create a nice cool breeze for you as you walk.
Prepare for extremes
With our unpredictable weather, it’s not uncommon to see either someone in hotpants with goose-pimpled legs after an unexpected downpour, or at the other end of the spectrum, someone still wearing their winter tights in 30C heat. When you’re on the fence, opt for a loose co-ord that will keep you cool but not expose you to the elements if it rains.
Wear shorts
Yes, you can wear shorts – and at any age. The key is getting the length just right and longer shorts are all the rage this year. Short shorts are of course allowed but they won’t make you any cooler. If anything, micro-shorts can make you feel hotter. Plus, they are wedgie inducing, often too tight and often show off rather too much bum cheek.
Wear white
White is not the easiest to keep clean but it is the best shade for a heatwave, and looks effortlessly chic. It doesn’t absorb light like black but instead, reflects it. It’s also a shade that never goes out of style. If you do get the odd suncream smear on your whites, quickly dab with hand soap and water, rub in with a brush and then wash as normal.
Don’t show bra straps
Whilst everyone wants to wear strappy clothing in the summer, there really is nothing classy about your bra straps being on show – especially when they’re the opposite colour to your top. Instead, if you are plumping for a strappy top, stick a strapless bra underneath.
Don’t attempt a boob tube
The boob tube has got to be one of the most faffy and unflattering pieces of clothing you can own. Yes, you will avoid shoulder strap tan lines, but you will spend the whole day pulling your top up and trying to keep your boobs in place. Come evening, you will have grubby fingerprints all over and will have no doubt experienced the odd nip slip.
Don’t choose espadrilles
Espadrille wedges were once Kate Middleton’s go-to summer shoe but they have well and truly fallen off the fashion wagon. While noughties ballet flats are back, the espadrille is yet to have its revival. It’s one of those fashion items that Gen Z won’t be seen dead in, and have even dubbed ‘the granny sandal’. For now, opt for a ballet flat or a sandal.
Don’t wear crochet
The crochet trend is nice enough and while it looks great on the likes of Love Island presenter Maya Jama, it’s simply not practical. If the sun is out, chances are, you’ll end up with tragic tan lines like a mosaic. Plus, it’s essentially knitwear – hot and itchy. For men, knitted polos have also crept into the fashion fold, masquerading as summer wear but they are made from synthetic materials and induce swear. Wear at your own risk.
ATS Euromaster has 233 locations across Great Britain, although there are none in Northern Ireland.
There is just one catch, though, as the cheapest recharge service is only available to cars which use R134A coolant which, as a rule of thumb, is those registered before 2017.
If your motor is registered more recently, a full regas and antibac will set you back £109.99, although even that is down from £139.99.
The service is suitable for cars, vans and 4x4s but is not valid for EVs or hybrids.
It comes as new rules were introduced which could save Brits billions every year on “wasted” tyres.