Gritting trucks are being deployed on major roads across the UK this week as a historic heatwave triggers a rare Met Office red extreme heat warning, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 38C. The extreme heat is causing road surfaces to soften, turn sticky, and rut under heavy traffic, prompting local highway authorities to take the unusual step of sending out winter gritters in midsummer.
The RAC and AA have confirmed that extreme weather can rapidly heat dark road surfaces until they lose structural stability. According to the RAC, motorists will easily spot the danger zones. "At these kinds of temperatures, road surfaces will soften, with darker patches of tarmac often the clearest indicator," says RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis.
Why Gritters Are Being Used in Summer
To counteract this "bleeding" asphalt, councils are deploying winter gritting vehicles to apply a fine layer of granite dust. This stone dust acts as an absorbing agent, binding with the sticky bitumen to maintain vital tire traction and stop the road surface from tearing up under traffic. "The main risk for drivers is not that the road suddenly 'melts' everywhere, but that patches can become tacky or uneven," warns AA president Edmund King. "That can affect braking, steering and grip, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists, and can also throw up loose material."
Record Breakdowns Expected
The RAC predicts a record-breaking week for vehicle breakdowns, expecting breakdown volumes to track at least 20% higher than normal early in the week. The extreme heat places tremendous strain on engine cooling systems and vehicle tires, making under-inflated, damaged, or old tires highly susceptible to sudden failure. Because breakdown services will be heavily stretched, leading to longer roadside waits, the RAC has released a list of crucial items to carry in your car this week: umbrella and wide-brimmed hat, plenty of water, non-melting snacks, and sunscreen and emergency medication.
Advice for Drivers
If you encounter soft, darkened, or rutted patches of asphalt this week, the AA urges drivers to slow down and handle their vehicles with extreme care. Reduce your speed smoothly to prevent sudden traction loss. Avoid harsh steering or cornering, as grip changes can catch you off-guard. Leave extra space from the vehicle ahead to watch out for flying stone chips. Sticky tarmac frequently picks up and flings loose gravel and stone chips directly at trailing vehicles.
The RAC advises all drivers to conduct simple under-the-bonnet checks, ensuring engine oil and coolant levels are completely topped up, before hitting the road. Furthermore, both motoring groups remind the public that air interiors can rapidly heat up like an oven, meaning passengers or animals must never be left unattended in a parked car, even for short periods. If your car lacks working air conditioning, the RAC strongly suggests postponing non-essential travel entirely, or scheduling journeys during the much cooler hours of early morning or late evening.
