Summer vehicle maintenance

There are a few distinct differences between summer and winter driving; heat and more light being the major contenders. With that in mind, it raises plenty of areas to consider for your summer vehicle health check.

Below are some tips to help avoid a car breakdown this summer:

Your pre-journey inspection

Check your cooling system and fans are working correctly

When it comes to overheating, for both passengers and engines, you need to be sure your car is performing exactly as it should be. A leaking cooling system can cause direct damage to your engine. A seized engine can incur the most severe repair costs or even spell the end of your vehicle’s life.

Check your fan belt

When it comes to keeping your engine cool, your fan belt is an essential part of the process. Your cooling fan is designed to operate only when needed, so you should make sure it works correctly when transitioning from the colder months into summer.

If your car is a convertible, does the roof still open and close as designed?

What’s the point of that soft-top in summer if you can’t get it down?

Always check your spare tyre is inflated and operational

Too many drivers are victim to a puncture only to realise the spare isn’t available or in a fit condition for use. Putting those extra miles on your clock throughout the summer means there’s a higher chance of a puncture, so make sure you’re prepared.

Check all fluid levels, tyre pressures and that you’ve got enough fuel to get where you’re going

It sounds straightforward, yet we take our cars for granted far too often. All drivers should have these basics as part of their everyday motoring checklist. Yet far too often, we still fail to make sure they’re in order on long journeys or for holiday driving. A special summer note of concern is screen wash. With all the flies and bugs hitting the windscreen and much less chance of rain to wash them away, make sure you’re sufficiently topped up. It’s also worthwhile having a reserve quantity ready to go.

Be sure that all lights and electrics are in order

Replace any bulbs that aren’t illuminating; everything from fog lights to indicators, and make sure all your car’s fuses are intact.

Air conditioning re-gas

Whether you’re driving a luxury car or a more compact car, an air conditioning re-gas can do wonders. If you notice that the air conditioning in your car isn’t providing the usual levels of cold air, it’s probably time for a re-gas.

Refreshing your air conditioning system is especially useful as summer arrives and temperatures begin to soar. Removing old refrigerant gas from the system and replacing and recharging it will ensure that you and your passengers remain cool and comfortable.

Pollen filter change

A fresh pollen filter will help to protect you and your passengers from the pollutants and allergens that your car will encounter in the coming summer months. A renewed pollen filter is especially beneficial during a countryside road trip where dust and pollen levels will be at their highest.

The most likely causes of your car’s summer breakdown problems

The RAC announced the following areas as being the most common reasons for breakdowns during the summer months.

Battery issues

Even though your car battery has to work much harder in winter, the summer months can put a different type of strain on your car’s battery.

Stop-start activity during short journeys or traffic jams will add stress to your battery. Additional entertainment devices and overworking your car’s electrical functions will add even more demands and drain to a battery. If your battery isn’t getting enough chance to replenish its power levels, this could well lead to a malfunction.

Tyre problems

A long-distance journey to a holiday destination could exacerbate existing issues that haven’t yet come to light. Cracked and aged rubber in your tyres may fail when subject to more intensive use, especially on hot summer roads. Make sure you check all tyres, including the spare and those on caravans and trailers. The last thing you want to happen is a blowout in the middle of a busy motorway.

Clutch failure

Your clutch takes a real hammering in the summer. The extra stop-start driving, traversing hills and unknown roads, all add more wear and strain to your clutch.

Towing a caravan or a trailer will put even more pressure on your clutch, so make sure they’re correctly attached and appropriately loaded.

Alternator

Your alternator is directly responsible for the battery’s power level, so at a time where demand is added to the battery, it’s added to the alternator too.

Keep an eye out for a flickering red battery warning light on your dashboard. It could well be a sign that your battery’s power level is teetering around the required level and not getting enough power to recharge.

A few extra summer motoring tips

You should have all of the following ready and available for every journey. However, it doesn’t do any harm to have a reminder checklist at hand, in case any have been removed and not replaced.

• first aid kit
• fire extinguisher
• spare fuel can
• engine oil and water reserves
• warning triangle
• sun cream, refreshments and drinks
• current maps or sat-nav
• high visibility clothing in case of breakdowns
• spare bulbs
• mobile phone with a full charge

Have a look at our website if you need a quote for car insurance.