DGT Forecasts 104 Million Summer Trips Amid Warnings on Vehicle Heat Stress
Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic anticipates 104 million summer trips, prompting warnings for drivers to perform preventive maintenance to avoid engine overheating and ensure they carry mandatory V-16 emergency lights to avoid fines.
The Directorate-General for Traffic expects 104 million long-distance trips during the 2026 Summer Operation. This massive volume of travel highlights not only the strain on our roads but also how vulnerable vehicles are to extreme summer heat. According to the RACE, rising temperatures put significant stress on a car's mechanics, particularly the cooling system, which is essential for keeping the engine at a stable 90 degrees Celsius.
Preventive maintenance is your best defense against major breakdowns. If parts like the water pump, thermostat, radiator, or electric fan fail—or if coolant levels are too low—it can lead to serious engine damage. This might include a warped cylinder head, a blown gasket, or a completely seized engine. Repairs can be costly; while resurfacing a cylinder head might cost around 100 euros, replacing it entirely can exceed 1,000 euros, depending on your vehicle.
For your safety, you must react immediately to any signs of overheating. If the temperature warning light turns on or the gauge needle climbs into the red zone, pull over safely and stop the engine right away.
If you are forced to stop on the road, current regulations require you to use a V-16 emergency light to alert other drivers. Failing to carry this device can result in an 80-euro fine, while failing to properly signal your vehicle according to traffic safety protocols can lead to a fine of up to 200 euros.