Most Common Car Failures in Summer

14/05/2025 09:14 Share

Most Common Car Failures in Summer

Avoid disruptions to your summer travel plans.

The sun is out, the radio’s on, you’ve hit the road for your summer trip. But what was that noise?

Summer may be the season of road trips, day trips and long drives, but it also brings a rise in vehicle issues that can put the brakes on your holiday plans.

To better understand what drivers face when the temperatures rise, we surveyed 37 expert technicians and workshops managers within the group at Vertu. The results are clear, summer car trouble is real, but it’s often preventable.

Here are the most common car failures during the summer months, according to our experts, and why it’s worth booking a Summer Vehicle Health Check before you set off.

1. Air conditioning breakdowns

Nothing puts a damper on a sunny road trip like an A/C that’s blowing hot air. According to our survey, a staggering 97% of Vertu vehicle technicians say air conditioning faults are the most common summer issue, with 68% noting a spike in A/C issues specifically during the warmer months.

Whether it's due to low refrigerant, a clogged filter, or faulty components, air conditioning systems are under more pressure during hot weather and if they fail, you’ll definitely feel the heat.

Our Combined Summer Health Package includes an A/C treatment and full service, ensuring your system is clean, efficient, and cooling as it should.

2. Tyre trouble

Hot roads, underinflated tyres, and longer drives are a risky mix. Nearly half (46%) of our technicians say flat tyres are a frequent summer concern, and tyres are one of the top components they say can lead to preventable breakdowns.

Increased temperatures can also raise tyre pressure, leading to uneven wear or even blowouts, especially dangerous on high-speed motorway journeys.

We’ll inspect your tyres for pressure, tread depth, and signs of wear during your health check.

3. Loud or squeaky brakes

More than a third of technicians say that noisy brakes become a concern in the summer heat. This can happen when brake components expand with heat or when dust and debris accumulate during dry weather.

A Summer Health Check includes brake inspections to spot early signs of wear and tear, so you can brake confidently all season long.

4. Overheating engines

30% of technicians report engine overheating as a common summer problem. High temperatures combined with long-distance driving put your coolant system to the test.

Neglecting coolant levels or driving with a leaking system can lead to costly engine damage and breakdowns on the side of the road.

Our technicians will check your coolant levels and system integrity as part of your summer service. 

5. Battery problems

Whilst cold weather is traditionally blamed for battery failures, 1 in 5 technicians say that battery issues are a recurring problem in the summer too. Excessive heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, damaging internal components and reducing lifespan.

During your health check, we’ll test your battery’s performance to ensure it's ready for the season ahead. 

Are drivers taking summer seriously?

Encouragingly, more than one-third of technicians say they’re seeing customers actively preparing their vehicles for summer travel. That’s a smart move, especially considering that 57% of technicians agree that Summer Checks could help prevent air conditioning failures, and that tyres, A/C, and coolant are the top preventable issues named by our experts. 

Don't leave it to chance

Whether you’re heading to the coast, the countryside, or just commuting in the heat, a quick Summer Vehicle Health Check can give you peace of mind and potentially save you from expensive repairs or inconvenient breakdowns.

Book your Summer Vehicle Health Check with Vertu today, and make sure your car is as ready for sunshine season as you are.

Book a Summer Health Check