Motorists have been urged to leave an item in their car over the next few days as temperatures rise to 33C in parts of the country. According to the Met Office, an exceptional spell of warmth is ahead, with notable heatwave-like conditions for this bank holiday weekend. The heat is expected to linger on Tuesday before cooling slightly from Wednesday.

But while the warm weather might be a blessing for many, people have been urged to be on their guard when using their vehicles. Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing is advising people to be aware of the hidden dangers lurking in their cars and how leaving one item can help reduce risks.

He said: "Seat belts are a major cause for concern during any type of heatwave. While they are lifesavers on the roads, the metal parts have been known to cause injury on warm days when they heat up in the direct glare of the sun.

"They can cause serious burns to bare flesh, particularly for youngsters who might not be aware of the issue, and also pose a danger to any pets being transported." Mr Conway is urging people to leave a piece of cloth or a towel in their car that can be used to cover up the metal part of a seatbelt to reduce the likelihood of burns.

"I would therefore advise people to cover them up as best they can to ensure they stay as cool as possible," he said. "Use light coloured material and even plug them back in to keep them out of direct sunlight."

He added: "You should also let your car cool down as much as possible before using it by opening doors and running the air conditioning for a while before you get in."

Driving on a warm day can sometimes feel like jumping into an oven. Vehicles often become very hot inside as sunlight enters through the windscreen and windows.

Heat is absorbed by interior surfaces such as seats and the dashboard, which are often dark in colour, and then radiated back into the air. This becomes trapped inside in a mini 'greenhouse effect' meaning a prolonged spell inside can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.

Mr Conway added: "Reflective window covers can also help prevent the temperature from rising too much. It can be a good idea to get covers if you have leather seats that can get especially warm.

"Drivers may consider turning the steering wheel 180 degrees when they get out, so the top section which you primarily hold when driving is out of direct sunlight.

"Try to keep your journeys short if you are travelling with children or pets, make time to stop for fresh air and ensure they stay hydrated. And, of course, you should also never leave a child or animal in a car on a hot day for any amount of time."