For the rest of this week a status yellow weather warning for high temperatures is in place across the country.

Met Eireann has forecast temperatures to hit 30 degrees.

With this in mind, AA Ireland have issued a warning for motorists to be extra vigilant and cautious.

AA Ireland have said:

“High temperatures can result in an increase in stress levels while driving as there are more pedestrians on the street than usual. Be extra vigilant and drive slowly in residential areas.”

Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs says:

“Harsh sunlight and glare can make it difficult to see vulnerable road users. We know that a week like this will see lots of kids out and about, and you never know when a child could run out on the street after a football.

“We also see more cyclists taking to the roads and a general increase in traffic volumes. It all adds to the danger so the advice is as always to slow down and expect the unexpected.”

An extra challenge posed to drivers suffering from hay fever is a higher pollen count brought on by the hotter weather.

Motorists who who are suffering from particularly bad cases of hay fever are being advised not to drive and instead, have someone else transport them from A to B.

“If you must get behind the wheel, close windows and air vents to reduce pollen grains in the car and wear wraparound sunglasses to reduce eye irritation. Make sure any medication you’re taking doesn’t cause drowsiness and clean mats and carpets regularly to get rid of dust,” said Conor Faughnan.

As well as paying extra attention to your own driving behaviour, making sure that your tyres and engine are in working order is important to ensure safe driving during the summer months.

If your tyres are already damaged or they’re at the wrong pressure, the higher temperatures will increase the risk of a blowout.

“If tyres are in poor condition then this sort of weather will really test them. Make sure you check tyres regularly, for condition and pressures, and increase pressures to suit extra loads” says Faughnan.

High temperatures driving puts a heavy demand on all of your engine components. It’s advisable to check the coolant and cooling system regularly to avoid overheating.

AA Ireland adds to check your engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to make sure that they’re all at the recommended levels.