If it feels like this summer has barely let up, you're not imagining it. The UK has now recorded temperatures of 35°C or higher in May, June and July alike – something that's never happened in the same year’s weather records before. When spells of hot, dry weather push the mercury into the thirties, your car needs to work harder than it has all year. Combine this with summer holidays where soaring temperatures are paired with days out and even longer trips away from home, and you’ll want to be reassured your car is well maintained and fit for the job.
Long motorway miles, a fully loaded boot and cabin temperatures that would make anyone wilt all add up to more stress on your car than the average commute. A few minutes of preparation now can be the difference between a smooth departure and a trip-spoiling roadside emergency.
So, from air con to abroad-driving rules, we’ve partnered with Kwik Fit to list the five things worth checking before you set off, with the biggest one – you guessed it, tyres – saved until last.
Get your free summer tyre check today
#1 Get your air con checked (and regassed if needed)
There's nothing that saps holiday enthusiasm faster than a car that can't keep its cool. Air conditioning systems naturally lose a small amount of refrigerant every year – usually around 10% – even without a fault, so a system that felt fine last summer might blow lukewarm air by the time this one arrives. If your car is taking longer to cool down, or the air coming through the vents isn't as cold as it used to be, it's worth having it looked at before you're relying on it for a five-hour drive to your favourite coastal spot.
A basic air con check is quick and inexpensive, and it can flag a slow refrigerant leak before it becomes a bigger, more expensive problem. If a regas is needed, most garages – Kwik Fit included – can do it in under an hour, and it's the sort of job that's easy to book alongside anything else you're having done, or while you enjoy an iced latte at the nearest cafe.
It isn't just about comfort, either. A cabin that's stiflingly hot is a genuine distraction behind the wheel, and tired, overheated drivers react more slowly and can make rash decisions. On a long journey with restless kids in the back, keeping the car cool is as much about concentration and safety as it is about anyone's temper. It's also worth checking your pollen filter at the same time – a clogged one restricts airflow and makes the whole system work harder, which is especially noticeable during a hot, dry summer when pollen and dust are everywhere. Hayfever sufferers will feel much better too, and avoid the sore eyes that are the last thing you need on a long drive. A five minute check now could save hours of serious discomfort later in summer traffic.
