Checking your vehicle thoroughly before setting off on a summer journey is by far the best way to make sure that your trip to the coast or the countryside doesn’t turn into a disappointing trip to a hardshoulder or lay-by waiting for a rescue vehicle to tow you to the nearest garage.

During the hot summer months the roadside resue services often experience a 20% increase in call-outs and this can even get as high as 30% in coastal areas of the country.

The top reasons for hot weather breakdowns are noted as being problems with convertible roofs, air conditioning issues, overheating, lost keys and jammed fuel caps. And, in the heat wave of summer 2013 the roadside rescue patrols reported being called out to a number of clients reporting seized-up bonnet release catches which required freeing – a sign that the engine hasn’t been inspected by the owner or a local independant garage for some time. Just as a basic monthly maintenance requirement you should check your oil levels, water levels and coolant levels.

While convertible roofs and air conditioning issues are always high on the list of hot weather call-outs, if the weather stays hot for long periods the roadside rescue services inevitably see a dramatic rise in cooling-related faults – whether it’s broken cooling fans or cars that have ground to a halt because of a lack of coolant. The best way to avoid your vehicle overheating is to check the coolant level before hitting the road or to get the cooling system checked by a garage if you are unsure as to what to do and what you should be checking.

To make sure your summer motoring isn’t spoiled by an often avoidable car breakdown we have put together the following advice:

  • Check oil and coolant levels following the instructions in the owner’s handbook - if unsure please call us - we are happy to advise - our advise is always free!
  • Have the cooling system checked – a leaking cooling system or inoperative cooling fan could cause the vehicle to overheat and cause extensive and incredibly expensive damage to the engine. If you have an air conditioning system you will often see a small amount of water on the floor – this is perfectly normal and is simply condensation of the air conditioning system. If your system smells when switched on or is not working properly before your planned trip it wont fix itself during the trip - get it seen to in the first instance by a fully qualified and licensed local independent garage. There are tests they can perform to locate leaks and blockages
  • The electric cooling fan is designed to run only when needed, it’s worth getting this checked also to ensure it’s operating as it should
  • Check the operation of the convertible roof, especially if it hasn’t been used for some time - such as the first time after the cold winter months. Make sure you know how to open or close it manually if needed
  • Check all wiper blades for wear or splitting, check the windscreen washer fluid level (screen wash additive is also recommended) and check that the washer jets are free from grime and adjusted correctly so the spray hits your windscreen not your roof!
  • Have the fan belt checked on a regular basis by your local garage - this is the importance of regular car servicing - if these items are properly maintained its very rare to experience problems
  • Check all exterior lights to ensure they comply with any legal requirements, especially if you’re travelling to Europe
  • Check the condition of the tyres (including the spare) for correct pressures and legal tread depth. The current minimum legal tread depth for cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3500 kg gvw') is 1.6mm - try the 20p test as described in a previous blog post regarding legal tyre tread.
  • Inspect the jack and wheel brace making sure they are in correct working order. If locking wheel nuts are fitted, ensure the locking key is in the vehicle - no point it being in the kitchen drawer - its very expensive to change a tyre if you have left it at home. It may be useful to practise changing the spare wheel, following instructions from your owner's handbook. If no spare is supplied with your vehicle make sure you are familiar with the tyre repair kit in case you need it
  • Ensure all dashboard warning lights operate correctly. Do not leave home if you are showing an engine management light - this indicates a fault with the vehicle - take the car to your local independent garage to identify the problem and carry out corrective measures
  • Make sure you have a spare set of keys for your vehicle in a safe place - obviously not at home but on you if you are travelling away
  • If you are towing a caravan, check the tyre condition – tyres can deteriorate quickly when not used for some time, so check for any cracking in the sidewalls. Also check the braking system, the indicators and brake lights and coupling gear. Invest in some additional mirrors so you can see beyond the caravan and adjust your driving according to the load you are towing. In addition, make sure that the caravan is properly balanced with the load distributed as advised by the manufacturer.

  • Never overload your vehicle or caravan beyond their designed carrying capacity - do not block the rear window of your car - you need to see whats behind you. Instead invest in a good quality roof box and ensure it is fitted correctly - remember it is on the roof when negotiating barriers etc in car parks. When not in use remove it from your car and store - this will ensure better fuel economy

Wherever you’re going:

  • Plan your journey to avoid getting lost or getting stuck in traffic jams - use a sat nav or up to date road map or do the route planner at home before you leave
  • Make sure you carry water and refreshments and take regular breaks at designated service centres - or share the driving
  • Make sure you have sun cream at hand just in case you breakdown, especially abroad, because you should wait outside of your vehicle when waiting for assistance never in it and shade will be sparce on a motorway. Always have sunglasses to hand to assist when driving in glaring sun
  • If you have children, make sure they have plenty of things to occupy them during the journey, ensure pets are secure in the vehicle not free to roam and distract you
  • Take extra supplies of medication, you may not be able to get them if you’re abroad

Happy Motoring!