Avoid summer breakdowns with these 5 simple car checks

A few minutes spent checking your car before a road trip can save hours stranded at the roadside. Here’s how to prepare your vehicle for a safer, smoother journey this summer.

Packing for a summer road trip is a bit like preparing for a family holiday abroad. You wouldn’t leave home without your suitcase, charger or passports, so why set off without making sure your car is ready for the journey? A little preparation before you leave can help prevent breakdowns, reduce stress and keep everyone travelling in comfort.

So, whether you’re heading to the coast, exploring the countryside or driving across the continent, these five simple maintenance checks will help ensure your car is ready for the miles ahead.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Check your tyres

Your tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road (or they should be), so it’s very important that you check these before any long journey.

Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold using the figures in your owner’s handbook or the sticker inside the driver’s door. Don’t forget to inspect your spare wheel if your vehicle has one.

While you’re there, examine the tread depth. Although the UK legal minimum is 1.6mm, many experts recommend replacing tyres once they reach around 3mm to maintain better grip, particularly during heavy summer rain.

Also look for cuts, bulges or uneven wear that could indicate a problem.

2. Top up essential fluids

Hot weather places extra demands on your engine, making fluid levels more important than ever.

Start by checking your engine oil using the dipstick. The level should sit between the minimum and maximum marks, and the oil should appear clean rather than excessively dark or gritty.

Next, inspect the coolant reservoir. The coolant should also sit between the minimum and maximum markings. Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as the cooling system is pressurised.

Finally, refill your screenwash reservoir. Summer driving often means insects, dust and pollen coating the windscreen, so keeping it topped up will help maintain clear visibility. Check your car’s manual if you’re uncertain where any of these reservoirs are, as refilling the wrong reservoir with the wrong fluid can be disastrous.

3. Make sure the air conditioning works

A working air conditioning system is about more than staying cool on a hot day. It helps reduce driver fatigue during long journeys and also clears condensation from windows during sudden summer showers.

Switch it on a few days before you travel. If it isn’t blowing cold air, it may simply need a regas or a replacement cabin air filter. Fixing the problem before you leave is far easier than discovering it halfway through a traffic jam on a scorching afternoon.

4. Check your battery and lights

You may associate battery problems with winter, but high temperatures can be just as damaging.

Inspect the battery terminals for signs of corrosion and ensure the connections are secure. If your battery has been slow to start recently, it may be worth having it tested before setting off.

Take a quick walk around the car and check that every light is working correctly, including:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Reversing lights
• Number plate lights

Working lights improve your visibility and help other road users anticipate your movements.

5. Pack a roadside emergency kit

Even if your car is in tip-top condition, your car can still suffer unexpected problems, so it’s worth carrying a few essentials with you.

A useful emergency kit should include:

• First-aid kit
• Torch
• High-visibility vest or jacket
• Warning triangle (where appropriate)
• Portable phone charger or power bank
• Drinking water

Before leaving, also make sure your jack, wheel brace, locking wheel nut key and spare wheel (if fitted) are all present and in good condition.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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