How to Prepare Your Car for a Summer Road Trip
Summer is on the way and, if you’re like the many Brits planning a holiday close to home this year, the months ahead may include a road trip. No matter how near or far you plan to drive, it pays to be prepared before heading off. A bit of time spent preparing your car before your summer road trip can make all the difference between a relaxing holiday and an unexpected headache.
From tyres to technology, and fluids to first-aid kits, a well-prepped car means fewer surprises and a smoother journey all round. Here’s how to prepare your car for a summer road trip that you’ll remember for all the right reasons.
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Tyres
Your tyres are the only part of your car in contact with the road, so it’s vital they’re in top condition. Check the tread depth, which should be at least 1.6mm by law. Look out for any cracks, bulges or uneven wear.
Don't forget the tyre pressure either. Underinflated tyres can reduce fuel economy, especially when carrying the extra weight of luggage and passengers.
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Air Conditioning
Nothing puts a downer on a summer drive like blasting hot air from the vents. If your air con isn’t cooling properly, it may need a re-gas, which is typically recommended every two years. A quick check before you leave gives you time to sort it without sweating through your holiday.
It’s also a good idea to clean or replace your cabin air filter if it’s been a while. This helps keep the air fresh and pollen-free - especially important if anyone in the car has hay fever or allergies.
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Fluids
Give your car a quick health check by checking the levels of all essential fluids. This includes engine oil, coolant/antifreeze, brake fluid and screen wash.
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Battery
Heat can be just as hard on your battery as cold, especially if it's nearing the end of its life. If your battery has been struggling to start the engine recently, or it’s more than 4–5 years old, consider having it tested before your trip.
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Lights & Wipers
Summer driving often means early starts and late finishes, so make sure all your exterior and interior lights are working properly. That includes headlights, brake lights, and indicators.
Replace wiper blades if they leave streaks or miss spots, and clean all your windows and mirrors to make sure you’ve got a clear view in bright sunlight or rain. A set of spare bulbs and fuses in the glovebox never hurts, especially if you’re heading on a long drive or to a remote area.
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Storage
Check your boot space and roof storage options before the day if you can and avoid overloading the car.
Store heavier items low and towards the centre of the vehicle. If using a roof box, double-check the weight limit and secure everything tightly. Inside the car, keep essentials like water, snacks, chargers, and sun cream close to hand.
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Emergency Kit
Even with the best preparation, breakdowns can happen - especially on longer journeys.
A summer car kit should include a warning triangle, high-vis jackets, torch with spare batteries, first-aid kit, phone charger or power bank, spare tyre or tyre repair kit and jump leads. It’s worth having some emergency bottles of water on hand too, especially on a summer road trip.