Key Maintenance Tips for Summer Travel

Don’t Skip Oil Changes or Service Milestones

One of the easiest, yet most crucial things you can do is stay on top of oil changes and any recommended car services. Routine maintenance, especially during the warmer months, helps your engine perform efficiently and prevents overheating. Ignoring scheduled services can lead to performance issues, long-term damage or even breakdowns.

Most vehicles display a warning light or service message on the dashboard when maintenance is required. It’s best you do not ignore these alerts. Delaying a service could lead to more serious and expensive repairs down the line. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for the recommended maintenance schedule, and don’t delay necessary repairs or checks before a long trip. Store a box with motor oil, washer fluid and engine coolant in your boot in case of emergency.

Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is key to fuel efficiency and extending the life of your tyres. With properly inflated tyres, you'll experience better petrol mileage, less wear and tear and fewer trips to the pump.

Driving on underinflated tyres can be dangerous. Low pressure causes the tyre’s sidewalls to flex more, generating heat. In some cases, this heat can cause the rubber to separate from the tyre’s structure, especially at high speeds, leading to a blowout.

Overinflated tyres aren't any safer. While it may seem better than underinflation, it actually reduces traction and increases your risk of a blowout due to increased pressure and less contact with the road.

To stay safe on the road, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure, found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Before heading out on a long road trip, it’s a good idea to check the different recommended tyre pressure to accommodate the extra weight from luggage and passengers. It’s also good to invest in a portable tyre inflator. They’re affordable and can be found online.

Clean Your Vehicle

Maintaining a clean interior and exterior isn’t just about appearance; it’s an important part of overall vehicle care. Washing and waxing the exterior contributes to long-lasting paint. Regular cleaning helps prevent spills, sticky residues, and materials like melted plastic from damaging your interior surfaces. Keeping your vehicle clean can also save you money in the long run by reducing the need for professional detailing.

Do Not Overlook Your Air Filters

Air filters play a crucial role during the hotter months by keeping dust, pollen, and pollutants out of your cabin. Replacing and cleaning them annually not only helps you breathe cleaner air but also ensures your air conditioning unit and engine run more efficiently, especially when they’re working harder in the summer heat.

If you notice the air isn’t as cool, check the cabin filter. It might be time to clean or replace it, or it may need to regassing. Regassing involves replenishing the refrigerant that cools the air in your air conditioning. Refrigerant might leak out over time causing the system to lose cooling. Regassing restores proper refrigerant levels, so you stay cool in humid weather.

The cabin and engine filters are inexpensive and relatively easy to replace. You can find an affordable one in any auto parts store or website. If you’re looking for long-term savings, invest in a washable cabin filter like this high-rated K&N lifetime washable cabin air filter that’s sold for £44.99.

Check The Fluids

As the weather heats up, your vehicle’s fluids can evaporate quicker, so it’s important to stay on top of them. Be sure to check and top off transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid and especially coolant.

Coolant plays a vital role in preventing your engine from overheating. To check it, locate the coolant reservoir under the hood and look for the indicator line showing the proper level. If the fluid is low, carefully twist off the cap, add coolant until it reaches the recommended line and secure the cap back in place.

Routine Maintenance Can Save You From Headaches

Remember, keeping up with regular fluid checks and basic maintenance is essential during the summer months. Whether your vehicle is brand new or older, these simple steps can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs while you're on the road.

And when maintenance and repairs start to outweigh the value of your vehicle, recycling it with EMR is a smart and green option. Not only will EMR pay you for your old vehicle, but you could also end up with more cash than a trade-in or private sale, while doing something good for the environment.