Essential Summer Car Tips to Keep Your Ride Cool, Safe & Trouble-Free
Essential Summer Car Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Ride Cool, Safe & Trouble-Free
Read time: 2min 36 sec
Summer in the UK isn’t always scorching, but when the sun does decide to show up, it brings with it all sorts of car-related drama. From overheating engines to tyres acting up like they’re melting on the M25, summer isn’t the chill time your car wishes it was.
Whether you’re popping down to the coast or planning a full-blown UK road trip, keeping your vehicle in top shape for summer is non-negotiable. Here are the essential summer car maintenance tips every driver should know (and actually follow).
Coolant & Radiator: Keep It Cool Under Pressure
Hot weather = hot engine. And a hot engine with no coolant? Disaster waiting to happen.
Check your coolant levels before the next sunny drive and top up if needed. If it’s been a while since your last flush, or if you spot any crusty buildup, it might be time for a full change. Also, take a look at your radiator for any signs of leaks or corrosion.
Pro Tip: If your radiator’s older than your playlists, it might be time for a replacement. We’ve got radiators, fans, caps, and all the bits you need to keep the engine temp in check.
Air Conditioning: Don’t Sweat It
If your AC sounds like it’s giving its last breath every time you switch it on, it probably needs some love.
In summer, your AC works double-time. Get it re-gassed if it’s not blowing cold air. And if it smells funky? That’s bacteria. You can sort it with a cleaner, or better yet, replace the cabin filter.
A working AC is great for comfort plus it helps de-mist your windows too. Win-win.
Tyre Pressure & Tread: Hot Tarmac + Worn Tyres = Nope
Summer heat changes your tyre pressure, especially if your car’s parked in direct sun.
Check your tyre pressure regularly (including the spare). Overinflated tyres = less grip. Underinflated = more heat, more wear, more chance of a blowout. Oh, and don’t forget to check your tread depth too.
Got cracks, bulges, or weird vibrations? Don’t ignore them.
Brakes: Heat Fade is a Real Thing
Brakes get hot. Summer makes them hotter. That affects performance.
If you notice a spongy pedal, squealing noises, or longer stopping distances, your brake fluid could be cooked or your pads worn out. Don’t mess about – brakes aren’t the place to cut corners.
We’ve got pads, discs, sensors and more mechanical parts to keep your stopping game strong.
Battery & Fluids: The Unsung Heroes
Summer heat can be just as brutal on your battery as winter. If it’s been a while or you’ve had issues starting up lately, get it tested.
Also, check the essentials: oil, transmission fluid, and wiper fluid. Don’t forget screen wash – the bugs hit different in summer.
Bonus Tips: Before You Hit the Road
Doing a road trip? Good stuff. But you’ll want to do a few extra things besides packing snacks and a playlist.
- Top up your windscreen washer fluid
- Double-check your lights and indicators
- Pack an emergency kit (water, warning triangle, mobile charger, and a bit of common sense)
- Clean your windscreen (inside too – trust us)
Final Thoughts: Save Yourself the Summer Drama
Keeping your car summer-ready doesn’t take much, but ignoring these basics can turn a sunny drive into a roadside meltdown.
At Trade Vehicle Parts, we’ve got the cooling system parts, brake bits, and other essentials to keep you moving all summer long. Just pop in your reg number and we’ll show you what fits.
Stay cool. Stay safe. And don’t let your motor ruin your summer.
