Essential Car Checks to do before Summer

With summer fast approaching and the sun finally making more of a regular appearance, now’s the perfect time to give your car some thorough checks. Whether you’re gearing up for a road trip, a countryside escape, or simply more frequent day trips, taking the time for a few essential vehicle checks can help you cruise through summer safely and stress-free.

The warmer weather often means longer journeys and heavier loads are undertaken, so making sure your car is in top shape beforehand is key. From tyre safety to fluid top-ups, here’s how to get your vehicle summer-ready with our essential car checks.

CHECK YOUR TYRES

Tyres are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road – and summer driving conditions can take their toll just as much as in winter. Hot tarmac, longer drives, extra passengers and luggage all mean your tyres need to be in top condition. We recommend conducting the following tyre checks on a monthly basis:

• Visual Inspection: Check for any signs of tyre damage like cracks, bulges or embedded debris that might’ve built up. If you are in any doubt, head to your local tyre fitter for some advice.
• Tread Depth: Even in dryer, warmer weather, tyres with good tread levels are essential for better grip and braking. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but for optimum performance, we would recommend replacing your tyres way before they are on the legal borderline. You can use the 20p test to quickly check and regularly monitor your tread depths – If you can see the outer band of the coin, you need to urgently replace the affected tyres as soon as possible.
• Tyre Pressure: Heat can cause your tyre pressures to fluctuate, especially on longer drives. Check your tyre pressures regularly and always before a long journey. Don’t forget to adjust for extra passengers or luggage – your car’s manual will have the recommended tyre pressure settings for this.

If you notice your vehicle is in need of a tyre replacement, head to your local Landsail dealer. Take a look at our summer tyre range to evaluate which tyre is best for your vehicle

TOP UP YOUR FLUIDS

The summer heat can put extra demand on your vehicle’s engine and cooling systems, so staying on top of fluids is more important than ever.

• Engine Oil: Keeps your engine cool and well-lubricated during longer summer drives. Check your oil levels once the engine is cool and when parked on a flat surface. Top up with the recommended oil if needed.
• Coolant: This is crucial for preventing your engine from overheating. Ensure the coolant level sits between the max and min lines and top up if necessary using the correct coolant mix for your car. Head to your local garage if your coolant levels sit outside of these parameters as this could indicate a problem with the coolant system.
• Screenwash: Bugs, dust, and road grime are out in full force in summer – a topped-up screenwash tank ensures a clear windscreen and better visibility on the move.

CHECK YOUR LIGHTS

Longer days mean you might need to use your lights less, but don’t let that lead to neglect. Early morning starts or late-night returns still require fully functioning lights.

Do a full walk-around your vehicle and check:

Headlights
Brake lights
Indicators
Sidelights and number plate lights

Use a reflective surface like a garage door to test your headlights, or ask a friend to help you check your lights are in full working order. Replace any faulty bulbs as soon as you spot them.

CHECK YOUR BATTERY

Whilst colder weather can drain your battery’s performance, high temperatures can actually speed up the battery aging process.

• Sluggish starts or dim lights can signal a weakening battery.
• If your battery is over 3 years old, consider a battery health check – especially if your car’s been idle or has only been doing short trips recently.

Heading off on a long drive this summer? Better to be safe than sorry – a quick battery check now can save you any hassle later.

PACK A SUMMER CAR KIT

Add a few summer must-haves to your boot or glovebox to be prepared for all eventualities: bottled water, car-friendly snacks, sunglasses, a spare phone charger, and an SPF sun cream. You never know where the road may take you, whether that’s a spontaneous diversion on your road trip or finding yourself stuck in holiday traffic.

With these few simple checks, your car will be as ready for summer as you are. Safe travels!