Summer is here, and that means one thing for many families: road trips. Whether you are heading to the coast, visiting relatives, or exploring somewhere new, a summer road trip can be brilliant fun. But before you pack the car and hit the road, there is one important question to ask: is your car actually ready?
Breaking down on a motorway in the middle of August is nobody’s idea of a good time. The good news is that most roadside breakdowns are preventable. A few simple checks before you leave can save you a lot of trouble later.
Why Summer Puts Extra Strain on Your Car
Hot weather affects your car in ways you might not expect. Higher temperatures put more stress on your engine, tyres, and cooling system. If something is already worn or low, summer heat can push it over the edge.
Add to that the extra weight of luggage, passengers, and camping gear, and your car has to work harder than usual. This is exactly when small problems become big ones.
Your Pre-Trip Checklist
Here is what to check before any long journey:
Tyres
Your tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road, so they matter more than almost anything else. Check the tread depth using a 20p coin. Insert it into the main grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tyres may be too worn and need replacing.
Also check the tyre pressure, including the spare. The correct pressure is usually printed on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in your handbook. Underinflated tyres wear faster, use more fuel, and handle worse in emergencies.
Brakes
If your brakes feel spongy, make grinding noises, or pull to one side, get them looked at before your trip. You do not want to discover a brake problem when driving down a steep hill with a fully loaded car.
If you have any concerns about your braking system, visit our brake repairs team for a full inspection.
Engine Oil
Check your oil level using the dipstick. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is low, top it up with the correct grade. If the oil looks very dark or gritty, it might be time for a change.
Coolant
Your engine cooling system works overtime in summer. Check the coolant level in the expansion tank when the engine is cold. If it is low, top it up with the correct mixture of coolant and water. Never open the coolant cap when the engine is hot.
Windscreen Washer Fluid
Summer roads can be surprisingly dirty, especially after rain. Make sure your washer bottle is full and your wipers clear the screen properly. Worn wiper blades should be replaced before long motorway journeys.
Lights
Walk around your car and check all the lights are working: headlights on dipped and full beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reversing lights. Ask someone to help you check the brake lights while you press the pedal.
Battery
Hot weather can actually be harder on car batteries than cold weather. If your battery is more than three or four years old, consider having it tested. A weak battery might manage short trips but fail during a long journey.
Air Conditioning
If your air conditioning is not blowing cold, it probably needs regassing. This is a simple job that makes a huge difference to comfort on long summer drives. Nobody wants to spend hours in a sweltering car.
When to Get a Professional Check
If you are not confident doing these checks yourself, or if your car is due for a service anyway, book in for professional car servicing before your trip. A trained mechanic will check everything on this list and more, giving you peace of mind for your journey.
It is also worth checking when your MOT test is due. While you can legally drive until the expiry date, an early MOT before a long trip means any problems get spotted and fixed before you set off.
| Check | What to Look For | When to Get Help |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | Tread depth above 1.6mm, correct pressure | Uneven wear, bulges, or cracks |
| Brakes | Firm pedal, no pulling | Grinding, squealing, or spongy feel |
| Oil | Between min and max on dipstick | Very dark, gritty, or burning smell |
| Coolant | Between min and max when cold | Frequent top-ups needed |
| Battery | Starts easily | Slow cranking, more than 4 years old |
| Air Con | Blows cold air | Weak airflow or warm air |
What to Pack for Emergencies
Even a well-prepared car can have problems. Pack an emergency kit that includes:
- A warning triangle
- A high-visibility vest
- A torch with spare batteries
- Jump leads
- A basic first aid kit
- Water for you and the car
- Your breakdown cover details
The Highway Code recommends carrying a warning triangle and high-visibility clothing for motorway breakdowns. You can read more about what to do if you break down on the GOV.UK guidance for motorway driving.
Book Your Pre-Trip Check in East Ham
At First Auto Centre in East Ham, we see plenty of cars that could have avoided roadside breakdowns with a quick pre-trip check. Our experienced mechanics can give your car a full inspection, check all the essentials, and fix any problems before they leave you stranded.
Do not let car trouble ruin your summer adventure. Book your car in before you head off, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your car is ready for anything.
First Auto Centre, 1 Lawrence Road, East Ham, London E6 1JN. Expert vehicle care from mechanics with over 20 years of experience.
