As the clocks go forward and temperatures start to climb, it is easy to think your car has an easier time in summer than in winter. In some ways that is true — no ice to scrape, no freezing mornings, no salt on the roads. But summer brings its own set of challenges, and a bit of preparation now can save you a breakdown on the hottest day of the year.
Here at AVS Bransgore, we see a spike in overheating issues, air conditioning failures, and tyre blowouts every summer. Most of them are preventable with a quick check-over. Here is what to look at before the warm weather properly arrives.
Check Your Coolant Level and Condition
Your engine's cooling system works hardest in summer. Check the coolant level in the expansion tank when the engine is cold — it should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is low, top it up with the correct antifreeze mixture (not just water). Antifreeze does not just prevent freezing; it also raises the boiling point of the coolant and contains corrosion inhibitors that protect your engine year-round.
If your coolant looks rusty, murky, or has bits floating in it, it is time for a coolant flush. We recommend changing coolant every two to three years regardless.
Test Your Air Conditioning
If your air conditioning is blowing warm or not as cold as it used to be, it probably needs a regas. Air conditioning systems lose a small amount of refrigerant every year, and after three or four years the difference becomes noticeable. We offer A/C regas from just 60 pounds plus VAT — it takes about 45 minutes and makes a massive difference to your comfort on long summer drives.
Top tip: Run your air conditioning for at least 10 minutes every week, even in winter. This keeps the seals lubricated and prevents the system from seizing up.
Inspect Your Tyres Carefully
Hot tarmac and high speeds are a bad combination for worn tyres. Check your tread depth — the legal minimum is 1.6mm, but we recommend replacing tyres at 2mm for safety. Use the 20p coin test: insert it into the main tread grooves, and if you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread is getting low.
Also check your tyre pressures. Heat causes air to expand, so tyres that were correctly inflated in winter may be over-inflated in summer. Check them when the tyres are cold (before driving) and adjust to the manufacturer's recommended pressures.
Check Your Battery
Most people think of batteries as a winter problem, but heat actually kills batteries faster than cold. High temperatures accelerate the chemical reaction inside the battery, which shortens its lifespan. If your battery is more than four years old, have it tested before summer. A battery test takes five minutes and could save you a call to the breakdown service.
Top Up Your Screenwash
Summer driving means insects, pollen, and dust on your windscreen. Make sure your screenwash reservoir is full and use a proper summer screenwash that cuts through bugs and tree sap. A clean windscreen is not just about visibility — it is a legal requirement for your MOT.
Check Your Brakes Before Any Long Trips
If you are planning a summer holiday road trip, get your brakes checked before you go. Listen for any squealing or grinding, and pay attention to whether the car pulls to one side when braking. Brake pads and discs are safety-critical items, and catching wear early is always cheaper than waiting until they are metal-on-metal.
The Bottom Line
A summer check-over is quick, inexpensive, and could save you a lot of hassle. If you would rather have a professional eye over things, book a summer health check with us at AVS Bransgore. We will check all the items above and let you know if anything needs attention — no pressure, just honest advice. Give us a ring on 01425 200826 or book online.
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