Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips

14/05/2025 09:02 Share

Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Keep your car cool, safe, and road-trip ready.

Summer is the perfect time to hit the open road. Big plans for a UK summer road trip? Heading out on a quiet day trip adventure? But before you do, it’s essential to make sure your vehicle is ready for the heat. High temperatures, long journeys, and heavy use can all push your car to its limits. Fortunately many common summer car problems are preventable with a bit of clever maintenance.

We asked 37 vehicle technicians at Vertu what issues they see most in the warmer months, and their insights are clear - simple checks now can prevent major headaches later.

Here are their top tips to keep your car in top shape this summer:

1. Check and service your air conditioning

Your A/C system isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety, especially during long and hot drives. An overwhelming 97% of our technicians say air conditioning faults are the number one issue they see in summer, with 68% reporting a seasonal spike in these problems.

Tip: Run your A/C before your trip to ensure it's blowing cold. Strange smells or weak airflow are signs it may need servicing. Book a Summer Vehicle Health Check to get it inspected and recharged if needed.

2. Inspect your tyres

46% of technicians say flat tyres are a frequent summer issue. Hot tarmac, increased friction, and under-inflated tyres can all lead to blowouts or dangerous wear.

Tip: Check tyre pressure regularly, especially before long trips. Make sure the tread depth is legal and even. Don’t forget the spare! 

3. Listen to your brakes

Brakes can become noisy in hot, dry weather. Over 33% of technicians mention loud brakes as a summer concern. Heat can cause parts to expand, whilst dust and dirt can lead to squeaking or grinding.

Tip: If you hear unusual sounds or feel vibrations whilst braking, don’t wait, get them checked. 

4. Top up and test your coolant

Engines are at risk of overheating during summer, 30% of our technicians report overheating as a common problem when temperatures rise.

Tip: Make sure your coolant is topped up and the system is free of leaks. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot!

5. Don’t overlook the battery

Summer heat can be just as hard on batteries as winter cold. 1 in 5 technicians say they often deal with battery issues in summer caused by fluid evaporation and overheating.

Tip: If your battery is over three years old or showing signs of slow starts, have it tested before you travel.

6. Plan ahead for summer travel

More than 1 in 3 technicians say they see customers actively preparing their vehicles for summer, it’s clear that smart drivers know prevention is better than repair.

Tip: Book a Summer Vehicle Health Check for a professional once-over. Our technicians check all the essentials (tyres, A/C, brakes, coolant, and battery) so you can travel with confidence.

7. Prevention pays off

A Summer Health Check can help prevent A/C failures, the most common seasonal fault out technicians see. Most agree that tyres, A/C systems, and coolant are the top components behind preventable summer breakdowns.

Tip: Don’t wait for a warning light. A short visit to the garage can save you hours stranded in the sun.

Ready for the road?

Summer is about sunshine, not stress! With just a few simple checks (or even better, a professional Summer Health Check) you can ensure your car is ready for everything from traffic jams to coastal cruises.

Book your Summer Vehicle Health Check with Vertu today and enjoy sunshine season with peace of mind.

Book a Summer Health Check