How to Prepare Your Car for Summer: A UK Guide

Summary

• Check your air conditioning now: If it's not blowing cold, get it re-gassed before summer hits. See our air con guide.
• Coolant is critical in summer: Your engine works harder in hot weather. Check coolant levels and condition.
• Tyres, brakes, and wipers: Hot tarmac, sudden rain, and long motorway drives all put extra stress on these parts.

Most drivers think about car maintenance in winter. But summer brings its own challenges. Hot roads, UV damage, heavy traffic, and long holiday drives all take a toll.

A quick summer check can save you from a breakdown on the hottest day of the year.

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Check Your Air Conditioning

There's nothing worse than a broken air con in a heatwave. Get it checked before you need it:

• Re-gas every 2 years: Air con refrigerant leaks slowly over time. A re-gas costs £50–£100.
• Run it year-round: Use the air con for 10 minutes every week, even in winter. This keeps the seals lubricated.
• Musty smell? The cabin filter may need replacing. Or the system may need an antibacterial treatment. Budget £30–£50.

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Check the Coolant System

Your engine generates enormous heat. The coolant system keeps it at the right temperature. In summer, it works harder.

• Check the coolant level: Look at the expansion tank under the bonnet. The level should be between the min and max marks.
• Check the colour: Fresh coolant is bright (pink, blue, or green). If it's brown or murky, it needs changing.
• Check for leaks: Look for wet spots under the car after it's been parked. Coolant has a sweet smell.
• Don't open the cap when hot: The system is pressurised. Wait until the engine is cold.

For more details, read our cooling system guide.

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Check Your Tyres

Hot tarmac increases tyre wear. Under-inflated tyres are especially dangerous in summer because:

• They heat up faster
• They're more likely to blow out
• They use more fuel

Check your tyre pressures at least once a month. Use the figures in your handbook, not what's on the tyre sidewall.

Also check tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm for safer braking. Our tyre tread guide shows how.

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Check Your Brakes

Long motorway drives and stop-start traffic both stress your brakes. Before a summer road trip:

• Listen for squealing or grinding (worn pads or discs)
• Check brake fluid level (under the bonnet, usually near the back)
• Feel for a spongy brake pedal (could mean air in the lines or low fluid)

See our brakes guide for a full breakdown of costs and maintenance.

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Check the Battery

Hot weather is actually harder on car batteries than cold weather. Heat speeds up chemical reactions inside the battery, which shortens its life.

• Check the terminals: Look for white or green corrosion on the battery terminals. Clean it with a wire brush.
• Test the battery: Most garages and battery shops will test it for free.
• Battery age: If your battery is over 4 years old, consider replacing it before a long trip.

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Protect the Interior

UV rays damage your car's interior over time. Protect it by:

• Using a windscreen sunshade: Keeps the cabin cooler and protects the dashboard from cracking.
• Parking in shade: Where possible, park under trees or in covered car parks.
• Applying UV protectant: Products like Armor All protect plastic and vinyl surfaces from fading.
• Using seat covers: Leather seats get burning hot in direct sun. A light-coloured towel or seat cover helps.

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Summer Car Checklist

Item	Check	Cost to Fix
Air conditioning	Blowing cold?	£50–£100 re-gas
Coolant	Level and colour	£10–£30 top-up
Tyres	Pressure and tread	£60–£150 per tyre
Brakes	Noise, fluid, pedal feel	£100–£300 per axle
Battery	Terminals, charge	£80–£180 replacement
Wiper blades	Streaking or smearing?	£15–£30
Screenwash	Topped up?	£3–£5
Oil level	Between min and max?	£20–£40 top-up

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Before a Summer Road Trip

Planning a long drive? Do these extra checks:

1. Check your MOT is valid. Use our free MOT checker.
2. Plan your fuel stops with our fuel finder.
3. Pack an emergency kit (water, sun cream, a phone charger, and a torch).
4. Check your breakdown cover is up to date.

For our winter preparation guide, see how to prepare your car for winter.

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