5 Essential Car Maintenance Checks Before Your Summer Getaway

Make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready with these must-do checks from Sandicliffe.

There’s nothing quite like a summer road trip. The open road, the sun shining, and your next adventure just around the corner. But before you pack up the car and set off, it’s crucial to make sure your vehicle is in top condition. A few simple checks can help you avoid breakdowns, stay safe, and keep your holiday stress-free.

Here are 5 essential car maintenance checks to tick off before you hit the road:

1. Check Your Tyres

Tyres are your only contact with the road, so they need to be in great shape.

Tread depth should be at least 1.6mm (the legal minimum), but we recommend 3mm for optimal safety, especially on long journeys.
Tyre pressure can affect fuel efficiency and handling—check your car’s manual or the label inside the driver’s door for the correct PSI.
Don’t forget to inspect the spare tyre (if you have one) too!

2. Top Up Your Fluids

Your car relies on several key fluids to run smoothly, including:

Engine oil – prevents wear and overheating. Check levels using the dipstick and top up if needed.
Coolant – keeps the engine from overheating. Essential in warm weather!
Brake fluid – critical for safe stopping.
Windscreen washer fluid – make sure you’ve got enough to keep your screen clear from bugs and dust.

Tip: Never open a hot engine to check coolant. Let it cool down first.

3. Test Your Battery

Hot weather can put extra strain on your car’s battery, especially if it’s more than three years old.
Look out for:

Slow engine starts
Flickering lights
Warning symbols on the dash

A quick battery test at Sandicliffe can give you peace of mind and we’ll let you know if a replacement is needed.

4. Inspect Lights and Wipers

Good visibility is vital, especially if you’re driving into the sunset or through a summer storm.

Check all lights: headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights.
Test your windscreen wipers and replace them if they’re streaking or skipping.
Make sure your rear window demister is working. Very handy if the weather turns.

We can replace bulbs and wipers while you wait - just ask one of our service teams.

5. Air Conditioning & Cabin Filters

Nothing ruins a summer road trip like a broken air con. Make sure it’s blowing cold and fresh.

If it’s taking a while to cool down or smells musty, it might need a re-gas or a new cabin filter.
A clean air filter also helps improve fuel economy and keeps the interior air fresh, especially important if you suffer from hay fever.

Stay cool - book an air con check at Sandicliffe today.