Breakdowns shoot up with the mercury

VEHICLE breakdowns in Edinburgh shot up by 18 per cent as engines overheated during this week's soaring temperatures, according to the AA.

However, the breakdown service is warning motorists to prepare for a drastic change in road conditions as the heatwave turns to heavy rains over the weekend and early next week.

The Capital was named as one of the country's breakdown hotspots during the hot weather – though it came nowhere near festival venue Glastonbury, where there were 85 per cent more call-outs than normal.

AA patrolman of the year Stewart Topp urged motorists to take care in rainy conditions by doubling their following distances on wet roads and looking out for puddles.

He said: "Standing water can create an aquaplaning hazard and cut visibility. It's important to take it easy and if the steering does become unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator gradually."

He also reminded drivers to check their car's coolant level should temperatures soar again.