The threat of extreme heat is changing the way we enjoy our classics says Charlotte Vowden.
Here’s how to cope… Unbearable. That’s the best way to describe the experience of being stuck in gridlocked traffic behind the wheel of a classic car. Sweltering, stifling, even suffocating – call me dramatic, but I think those are fitting adjectives too. It was the summer of 2024, while en route to Norway, that my dad and I endured temperatures in excess of 40°C within the cabin of the MGA. Outside, Belgium was scorching too, the clime was too hot to provide any comfort; there wasn’t a wisp of cool air to draw in. Keeping an eye on the in-car digital thermostat, we started to wonder if we might be in trouble when it reached a terrifying 49°C.
Trapped in gridlocked traffic on the R1 ring road around Antwerpt, one of the most snarled-up cities in Europe, was a predicament we couldn’t avoid. Travelling across country as we were, it’s a highway that’s impossible to evade. Crawling, bumper to bumper, a heat ripple distorted the queue of cars that were also caught in the chaos.
Using my intuition, as well as the MGA’s simple yet sufficient set of gauges, I evaluate how FSK 302 is faring by taking note of how I feel. When I’m hot under the collar, she’s probably feeling it under the bonnet too. On red alert in the searing heat, dad and I were conscious of the MGA’s wellbeing as well as our own. Drenched in sweat – the body’s first line of defence against excessive heat – internally, our hearts were working harder too.
Planning ahead for this uncomfortable leg of our journey, we’d stowed plenty of water on board. Making the decision to drive with the roof up eliminated the risk of being burnt by the sun. Such precautions, we hoped, would prevent heatstroke; a dangerous condition which requires rapid medical care. Aided significantly by the fan we’ve fitted to the radiator, FSK coped remarkably well.
Extreme weather is without doubt the new normal and as owners of classic cars we’ve got to find ways to adapt. I’d love to know how you’re doing it, so please share your tried and tested tips. But before I’m grumbling about the rain again, I’ll share a few of mine…
You don’t need air-con, you need a nap
Let the sun put constraints on your day by adjusting your travel times accordingly. Set off early and avoid the early afternoon, when temperatures are at their highest. Then do it like veterans from the hottest climes do by upholding the noble tradition of taking a 15 to 20 minute nap post-lunch. Research shows we perform better cognitively after forty winks, so you your senses will be sharpened for a cooler sundown drive. I consider that a win, win.
Keep moving
Says she, oh wise one, who has just admitted to travelling on a notoriously congested route. Don’t do what I do, do what I tell you, OK? Taking slow roads and detours is far more enjoyable than being stationary and stressed out as you watch your coolant temperature rise. Roll down those windows you my gosh, you’ll be glad of that breeze. And yes, these are perfect conditions for a soft-top. Drop it, slather on the sunscreen and wear a hat.
Look after you
Dehydration is enemy number one so drink plenty of water and if freeze a couple of bottles, you can use them as cooling as ice packs as they melt. Single-use instant ice packs – the type you put on injuries – are a great way to provide a little relief too. Salty snacks and sports drinks are essential for replacing the electrolytes you will have lost, and don’t think for a moment I’m suggesting you travel with a watermelon, but fluid-containing fruit such as apples are an incredibly refreshing and satisfying munch. As for your ensemble, wear loose clothes and a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Cover up
If you have to park in the sun, use a windscreen shade to deflect those ferocious rays away from the interior. Not only will it help prevent your car from feeling like the hottest place on the earth – and turning your steering wheel into a branding iron – it’ll protect the dash and upholstery from unnecessary and distressing sun damage. Consider popping shields in the rear and side windows as well.
Insulate
It might sound counter-intuitive, but as well as keeping warm areas warm, insulation can help keep warm air out of the places you don’t want it. Fit it around areas such as the transmission tunnel, which used to be a thigh scalding hazard in my MGA, and you’ll feel the benefits straight away.
Inspect the vital bits
And so to the laborious bit, but don’t let that put you off. The cooling systems needs to be checked for leaks, and gives the hoses and belts a good nosey, keeping your eyes peeled for signs of deterioration. Satisfied that it’s all OK? Then top up the coolant and away you go – with a bottle containing some to spare. Go one step further for extra brownie points and flush the radiator to remove any sediment or debris. Blockage free? Refill with fresh fluid. The thermostat and fan (if you’ve got one) need their own MOT. Carrying out a complete oil change will help your engine run efficiently, making it less likely to overheat, and if you haven’t inspected your tyres lately – do so. If they’re worn, or are the wrong pressure, they are more likely to blow.
Maintain a weather eye
Don’t be complacent, or over confident. Take regular stops and conduct regular checks. The benefits are twofold – a cooler classic means a cooler you.
Have you developed your own methods for keeping cool behind the wheel when temperatures soar? Whether it’s a clever modification, a packing essential or a hard-earned lesson from a memorable summer drive, we’d love to hear it. Share your hot-weather motoring tips, experiences and advice in the comments below.
Insure your classic with a specialist insurer
If you’re looking for cover for your pride and joy, why not consider Hagerty UK? Not only are we classic car insurance specialists, but we are enthusiasts at heart. Call us for a quote on 0333 323 1138.
