Summer is the busiest time of year on UK roads — and also one of the most demanding for your vehicle. Higher temperatures stress cooling systems, tyres, and air conditioning units, while long motorway runs at sustained speeds put extra load on engines and brakes. A breakdown on the way to the airport or stuck in holiday traffic with a carful of children is not just inconvenient — it can ruin the trip entirely. This guide walks you through everything you need to check before you set off, so you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Tyres are your only contact with the road, and they are the single most important safety check before any long journey. Start with tread depth — the legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, but safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm, particularly in wet conditions. Use a 20p coin: if the outer band of the coin is visible when inserted into the tread groove, the tyre is approaching the legal limit and should be replaced before a long trip. Check all four tyres and the spare if your vehicle has one. Next, check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold — pressures increase as tyres warm up, so checking after driving will give a false reading. Your vehicle's recommended pressures are found on a sticker inside the driver's door frame or in the owner's manual. Note that pressures are often higher when the car is fully loaded with passengers and luggage — check the manufacturer's guidance for laden pressures. Finally, inspect each tyre visually for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects. A bulge in the sidewall indicates internal damage and the tyre must be replaced immediately — do not drive on it.
Five fluid levels should be checked before any long journey: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. Engine oil is the most critical — low oil causes rapid engine wear and, if severely low, catastrophic engine failure. Check the dipstick when the engine is cold and on level ground. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum markers and should appear amber or light brown. Dark, gritty oil indicates it is due for a change. Coolant prevents your engine from overheating in summer — check the level in the translucent reservoir when the engine is cold and ensure it is between the min and max lines. Never open the coolant cap when the engine is hot. Brake fluid should be between the min and max lines on the reservoir; if it is consistently low, this may indicate a brake system leak and should be investigated by a mechanic before the journey. Windscreen washer fluid is the most frequently forgotten — top it up with a proper screenwash solution rather than plain water.
Air conditioning is not just a comfort feature in summer — it is a safety system. Driver fatigue increases significantly in hot vehicles, and a properly functioning air conditioning system keeps the cabin at a temperature that supports alertness. Air conditioning systems lose approximately 10% of their refrigerant gas each year through normal use, so a system that worked last summer may be noticeably less effective this year. If your air conditioning is blowing warm air, takes a long time to cool the cabin, or produces a musty smell when first switched on, it needs attention before a long summer trip. An air conditioning regas typically costs £50–£80 at a garage or fast-fit centre and takes around 45 minutes. The musty smell is caused by bacteria and mould growing on the evaporator — an antibacterial treatment costs around £20–£30 and eliminates the odour. If you have a cabin air filter (also called a pollen filter), check when it was last replaced — a blocked filter reduces airflow and makes the air conditioning work harder.
Walk around the car and check that all lights are working: headlights (dipped and main beam), fog lights, brake lights, indicators, and reversing lights. Brake lights are particularly important and difficult to check alone — ask a passenger or use a wall or garage door to see the reflection. A faulty brake light is a common MOT failure and a £100 fixed penalty notice if spotted by police. Car batteries typically last three to five years and are more likely to fail in extreme temperatures. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it tested at a garage before a long trip. Signs of a weakening battery include slow engine cranking on start-up, dimming lights when the engine is idling, or a battery warning light on the dashboard. If you are planning to drive through Europe, check that your headlights are adjusted for right-hand traffic — headlamp beam deflectors are available from motoring shops for around £5 and are a legal requirement in many European countries.
Brakes should be checked by a mechanic if you have any concerns, but there are warning signs you can identify yourself. A grinding or squealing noise when braking indicates worn brake pads — this should be addressed before a long journey, not after. A pulsing or vibrating sensation through the brake pedal suggests warped brake discs. A soft or spongy brake pedal that requires more pressure than usual may indicate air in the brake lines or a fluid leak — both require immediate professional attention. Steering should feel direct and responsive with no excessive play in the wheel. If the car pulls to one side when driving in a straight line, the wheels may need alignment — this also causes uneven tyre wear and reduces fuel efficiency. A vibration through the steering wheel at motorway speeds typically indicates a wheel balance issue, which is inexpensive to correct at any tyre centre.
A well-prepared boot can make a significant difference if something goes wrong on a long journey. The following items are recommended for any summer road trip: a warning triangle or LED warning light to alert other road users; a high-visibility vest kept in the cabin within reach, not in the boot; a first aid kit; a phone charger or power bank; a torch; a bottle of water and snacks, particularly important if travelling with children or in hot weather; a blanket for cold evenings or long waits; jump leads or a portable battery pack; a tyre inflator or can of tyre sealant for minor punctures; and sunscreen, often forgotten but essential on long drives with sun exposure through the windscreen. If you are travelling to Europe, also carry your V5C logbook, insurance documents, a GB sticker or number plate, and a reflective jacket for every passenger.
Summer bank holidays and the school holiday period (late July to early August) are the busiest times on UK roads. The Friday before a bank holiday weekend and the first Saturday of the school summer holidays are consistently the highest-traffic days of the year. If possible, plan to travel early in the morning (before 7am) or in the evening (after 8pm) to avoid peak congestion. Use a live traffic app such as Google Maps, Waze, or the National Highways app to check for incidents and roadworks on your planned route before you leave. Plan your fuel stops in advance — do not rely on finding a service station when the fuel light comes on. Take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours — fatigue is a factor in approximately 20% of serious road accidents in the UK. Share your route and estimated arrival time with someone who is not travelling with you.
Even with thorough preparation, breakdowns can and do happen. If your vehicle develops a warning light, unusual noise, or handling problem during the journey, do not ignore it — pull over at the next safe opportunity and assess the situation. On a motorway, move to the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area, switch on your hazard lights, exit from the left side of the vehicle, and stand behind the barrier well away from the carriageway. Call your breakdown provider immediately. If you are not covered or your provider cannot attend within a reasonable time, call Black Eagle Recovery on 0330 520 1620. We provide 24/7 roadside assistance and vehicle recovery across London, the South East, Hampshire, and Dorset. We will give you a clear price before we attend and will take your vehicle to your preferred destination — whether that is a local garage, your home, or your holiday destination.
Broken down on your summer holiday? Black Eagle Recovery provides 24/7 roadside assistance and vehicle recovery across London, the South East, Hampshire, and Dorset. Call 0330 520 1620 — we'll get you back on the road or safely to your destination.
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