THE AA is warning that some roads could turn into lethal skid pans when hot weather gives way to thundery showers.

During hot spells, a film of dust, dirt, rubber and oil builds up on the surface of roads, changing its texture and making it a potential hazard when the rain eventually comes. Light rain is insufficient to wash it away and it takes heavy downpours and plenty of passing traffic to get the roads back to normal. Roads that have melted in the heat make matters worse.

Andrew Howard, AA head of road safety, said: “Motorists who don’t adjust their driving technique in wet weather are asking for trouble. They need to slow down, keep their distance, use the gears steadily and avoid slamming on their brakes.”

If the roads become flooded, the AA offers this advice:

• Travel through flood water only if necessary.

• Drive through at no more than walking pace.

• If the car in front surges through water and creates a wave, stay back to avoid getting swamped.

• Try not to drive through flood water more than 10 inches deep; air intakes on new cars are lower than they used to be.