Summer’s the season for road trips, weekends away, and making the most of longer days. But before you load up the boot and plug in your sat nav, it’s worth spending a few minutes making sure your car is ready for the journey ahead.
High temperatures, stop-start traffic, and heavy loads can all put extra strain on your vehicle. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the hard shoulder with the kids in the back and the ice cream melting.
Luckily, a few simple checks can go a long way in keeping you safe, cool and on the move.
Here are 7 essential summer car checks to make before your next trip:
1. Top Up All Fluids
Warm weather demands more from your car, especially when it comes to cooling. Make sure the following are all topped up to the correct levels:
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Engine oil: Prevents overheating and protects moving parts. Check the dipstick when the engine is cold.
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Coolant/antifreeze: Vital for maintaining a steady engine temperature, especially in traffic jams.
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Brake fluid: If it’s low, it could affect braking performance—check the reservoir under the bonnet.
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Windscreen washer fluid: Bugs, dust and pollen build up quickly in summer. Make sure you’ve got a good screenwash, not just water.
Top tip: Look under the car after it’s been parked for a while. Any unusual leaks could signal a bigger issue that needs attention.
2. Check Your Tyres Properly
Tyres are one of the most important safety features on your car, and they take a lot of punishment in hot weather—especially on long motorway journeys.
Before you travel, check:
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Tyre pressure: Use your car manual or the sticker in the driver’s door frame for the correct PSI. Inflate to match the load—especially if you’re carrying extra passengers or luggage.
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Tread depth: The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but for wet summer conditions, aim for 3mm or more.
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Tyre condition: Look for any cracks, bulges or uneven wear that might suggest poor alignment or the need for replacement.
Don’t forget the spare! If your car has one, make sure it’s usable and fully inflated.
3. Test Your Air Conditioning
A working air con system is a must for summer driving, especially in stop-start traffic or long stints on the motorway. If your system isn’t cooling the cabin like it used to, it may need a re-gas, which most garages can do in under an hour.
Other signs you might need attention:
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Strange smells when you turn the system on
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Weak airflow even at the highest setting
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Excess condensation or misting on windows
Regular servicing of your air con also helps to remove bacteria and pollen—great news for hay fever sufferers.
4. Check the Battery
Most drivers associate flat batteries with winter, but summer can be just as harsh. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which can lead to corrosion and reduced charge.
Look out for:
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Slow engine cranking
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Dimming headlights or dashboard lights
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Warning lights on the dash
If your battery is over three years old, get it tested before a long journey. Most garages will do this for free.
Extra tip: Clean the battery terminals if there’s a build-up of white, crusty residue—this helps prevent poor connections.
5. Clean Your Lights and Windscreen
Summer means bright sun and long shadows—conditions that make visibility critical. Give your car a proper clean inside and out:
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Headlights and tail lights: Wipe down with a damp cloth and replace any bulbs that look dim or faulty.
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Indicators and brake lights: Ask someone to help you check all bulbs are working.
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Windscreen (inside and out): Streaks and smears can cause glare when the sun hits at low angles.
Also make sure your wiper blades are in good condition—dry heat can make them brittle and less effective just when you need them.
6. Pack a Summer Emergency Kit
No one expects to break down, but it’s better to be prepared. Pack a kit tailored for summer conditions, including:
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High-vis vest and warning triangle
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Torch with fresh batteries
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Bottled water and snacks
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Phone charger or power bank
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Jump leads
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First-aid kit
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Sunglasses (for the driver!)
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A printed copy of your breakdown provider’s number
It’s also smart to carry any medication you might need if you’re delayed.
7. Sort Out Your Paperwork
It might sound basic, but it’s easy to overlook the boring stuff in the excitement of summer plans.
Make sure:
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Your MOT, car tax and insurance are all current
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You have breakdown cover (and know what it includes—some only cover roadside assistance, not towing)
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Your driving licence is valid and in date
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You’ve got your logbook (V5C) handy if you're going abroad
Bonus points for keeping digital copies of key documents on your phone or in cloud storage, just in case.
Planning to Upgrade Before Summer?
If your current car isn’t quite cutting it—or if you’re planning more adventures than it can handle—now’s a great time to upgrade.
At CarGiant, we stock hundreds of quality used cars, with options for families, commuters, adventurers and everyone in between. We also offer part exchange, affordable finance, and hybrids and EVs for drivers ready to make the switch.