Preparing Your Car For Summer Driving

The blog this week is about top tips to help you prepare your Volvo or Toyota for summer driving. Running a car has become a major expense, especially with the ever-increasing fuel prices. Everyone wants to save money on a monthly basis, maybe for that annual holiday or your children’s university fund or for home improvements. Maybe it is to counteract the constant increases in your weekly food shops or increased utility bills. Read on to find out more:

Preparing your car for summer is important because warmer temperatures, longer journeys, holiday traffic, and higher engine loads can expose problems that may not be obvious during everyday driving. A little preparation can improve safety, reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfort.

Why summer car preparation matters

• Heat puts extra strain on your vehicle. Engines, batteries, cooling systems, and tyres all work harder in hot weather.
• Holiday journeys are often longer. A minor issue that goes unnoticed on short trips can become a major breakdown on a motorway. Consider getting your car serviced before embarking on a long journey or a journey to Europe. Do not leave it until the last minute just in case a problem is unearthed that requires more work.
• Tyre problems are more common in hot conditions. Underinflated tyres can overheat and wear faster. Check your tyre pressures regularly and check tyre depth at the same time. They should be 1.6mm – use the 20p method we have talked about numerous times in blogs. Look for any bulges or cuts to the tyres – these can happen with the vast amount of potholes we encounter on our roads today.
• Air conditioning becomes essential. A poorly performing system can make journeys uncomfortable and affect driver concentration. If it is not working properly get it looked at for leaks. Don’t just get it topped up without inspection because if there is a leak present then you are just wasting your money.
• Summer traffic can mean long periods of idling. This places extra demand on the cooling system. Always check your coolant levels when your engine is cold. Top up if required and make sure you have some spare in your boot. Look for any leaks around the hoses and under your Volvo or Toyota. Overheating is one of the common causes of summer breakdowns! Check all other fluids such as the oil, brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid etc

Driving abroad in Europe during the summer

If you're travelling from the UK to continental Europe, preparation is especially important. We have written many blogs over the years giving top tips for driving abroad. Always do your research so you don’t get caught short whilst abroad. If you have children in the car ensure they have things to occupy them, plenty of snacks and drinks and don’t be afraid to take regular breaks. Less haste more gain! You don’t want to be driving tired.

Carry the required documents For The Country You Are Travelling To/Through

Check you have:

• Driving licence for all drivers
• Passport
• Vehicle registration document (V5C)
• Insurance information
• Breakdown cover details

Learn local driving rules

Requirements vary by country. For example:

• Headlight beam deflectors may be needed.
• Some countries require reflective vests for occupants.
• Certain cities have environmental or low-emission zones.
• Speed limits and enforcement practices differ.

Popular destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, and Germany each have their own regulations. Do your research before travelling.

Pack safety equipment

Some countries legally require items such as:

• Reflective vests
• Warning triangles
• Spare bulbs (requirements vary)
• First-aid kits
• You can buy these kits on places like Amazon etc

Check your breakdown cover

Ensure your policy includes:

• European roadside assistance
• Vehicle recovery
• Accommodation or onward travel assistance if repairs are delayed

Be aware of driving side changes

When travelling from the UK to mainland Europe, you'll drive on the right-hand side of the road. Take extra care it can be very confusing at the beginning, but you will soon adjust:

• Leaving ports and terminals
• Entering roundabouts
• Overtaking
• Junctions after rest stops

Spending 30 minutes checking your vehicle before a summer trip can greatly reduce the risk of delays, breakdowns, and safety issues during your holiday. Ensure that your servicing is up to date and any niggling issues have been looked at before you start your journey. As we have said on so many occasions proactive servicing is far cheaper than reactive repairs. Don’t let a breakdown spoil your summer road trip!

Call us today on 01252 370701 to book in for a service or interim service on your Volvo or Toyota

ACC UK Limited
Farnborough, Hampshire
Serving surrounding areas across North Hampshire and Surrey

Call us today to book in your MOT, service or repair

Here at ACC UK Ltd, Winners of The Motor Trader Independent Garage of The Year 2015, 2019 & 2020, GRA – Outstanding Automotive Service Excellence 2025, GRA – Outstanding Customer Service – Automotive Sector UK 2026, Motor Trader Indies Garage of the Year Award 2025, The IGA Big Awards 2022, The Inspire Customer Service Excellence 2016 Award, The Eagle Radio Customer Focus 2017 Business Award, The Workshop Magazine Workshop Manager of the Year 2017 Award, The LiveWire Excellence In Vehicle Servicing 2019 Award and The Aftermarket Excellence Award for Best Website 2019, The Eagle Radio Biz Award – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & the SME News Magazine Most Trusted Car Servicing Provider 2020, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding customer experience for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Give us a call and let us quote you for your next service or repair on your Volvo or Toyota. We service all areas around Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Frimley, Camberley, Hook, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Yateley, Hampshire and Surrey. We offer free collection and drop off services. We also have a fleet of courtesy cars to allow you to get on with your schedule whilst your Volvo or Toyota is with us. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd – Independent Volvo & Toyota servicing, repair and MOT specialists based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire