Essential Summer Car Maintenance Tips Every Motorist Should Know

Before summer kicks off, prioritise a few key checks as part of general car maintenance to keep your vehicle roadworthy and your journeys stress-free. Focus on your battery, tyres, MOT, air conditioning, fluids and wheel alignment. These are the areas most affected by rising temperatures and long-distance drives; and neglecting them now could cost you a lot more later.

Car Maintenance Checks That Matter

Battery Health in Warmer Weather

While battery issues are often associated with winter, heat can be just as damaging; if not more so. High temperatures speed up chemical reactions inside the battery, which can cause the fluid to evaporate and lead to internal damage. If your car has shown signs of slow starting or dimming lights, it’s worth getting the battery tested before it fails.

If you’re based on the south coast, book a check at your local Elite branch: car batteries Brighton, Bournemouth car batteries, Portsmouth car batteries or car batteries Strood.

Tyre Pressure, Tread & Heat Expansion

One of the most overlooked aspects of summer car maintenance is proper tyre inflation. Tyres naturally expand in hot weather, especially during longer drives on warm tarmac. Underinflated tyres are more likely to overheat and can lead to blowouts, while worn tread reduces grip—dangerous in summer showers when roads are slick with oil and water.

Make sure your tyres are in top condition with a quick check or visit any of our tyre fitments centres in England for professional support.

Is Your MOT Expiring During the Holidays?

No one wants to be caught out with an expired MOT right before a summer road trip. Avoid fines and delays by checking your due date in advance. Even if your MOT isn’t due yet, a pre-holiday check can highlight minor issues before they become expensive problems.

Need an MOT in Sussex or Hampshire? Book yours at our Bournemouth MOT or Pulborough MOT centres.

Air Conditioning & Cabin Filters for Summer Car Maintenance

A functioning air con system isn’t just a luxury—it’s a core part of summer car maintenance. Besides, you don’t want your car air con to stop working in the middle of a heatwave. If the air blowing from the vents isn’t as cold as it used to be, or it smells musty, it may be time for a regas or filter replacement. Cabin filters collect pollen and dust—so summer’s a good time to freshen things up. Stay cool with an air con service at Elite Garages.

Coolant, Oil & Fluid Levels

As part of your summer car maintenance checklist, always double-check oil and coolant levels. Your engine runs hotter in the summer, especially in traffic. Low coolant or dirty oil can quickly lead to overheating and engine damage. Check your fluid levels and top them up if needed—or better yet, book a seasonal service. Be sure to visit an Elite Garages near you for a full safety check before your next long journey.

EV & Hybrid Summer Servicing

Electric and hybrid vehicles need love too. From brake wear to cooling systems, the summer heat can still take a toll. Make sure your EV is ready for the months ahead with expert checks and software updates.

See our EV Servicing page for more details.

Wheel Alignment & Fuel Efficiency

Wheel alignment might not seem urgent, but misaligned wheels cause uneven tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency and a wobbly steering wheel. Even small bumps from winter potholes can throw things off. If you suspect something is not quite right with your suspension or tyres, book a wheel alignment today to keep your steering and safety on point.

As part of your summer car maintenance, it’s smart to have your wheel alignment checked. Not only will your tyres last longer, but your vehicle will steer straighter and burn less fuel. If you’ve noticed uneven tyre wear or your steering pulls to one side, it’s time to book in.

Cambelt Condition – A Silent Risk to Car Maintenance

Your cambelt (or timing belt) controls the engine’s timing, and if it snaps, it can wreck your engine. Heat and age make this component brittle, and since it’s not visible, you won’t notice issues until it’s too late. If your car’s over five years old or close to the mileage limit, get it checked.

Summer heat and long-distance driving can add extra strain on engine components. This is why checking your cambelt forms an important part of car maintenance, especially if your car is nearing the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval.

Book at a cambelt service at all of our branches, including Fareham, Shaftesbury, Caterham, Newport, Pulborough and Haywards Heath.

Book a Free Safety Check Before You Hit the Road

Whether you’re heading to the coast or just commuting in hotter weather, a quick Free Safety Check gives you peace of mind. Elite Garages will assess all key components so you can drive with confidence.

Why Skipping a Service Could Cost You More Than You Think

Car maintenance is often one of the first things people delay when life gets busy or budgets feel tight—but putting it off could be doing more harm than good.

The hidden cost of skipping routine car maintenance

When your vehicle misses a service, small issues like worn brake pads, dirty oil, or low coolant levels can snowball into serious (and expensive) repairs. A quick oil change might cost less than £100, but replacing a seized engine could set you back thousands.

Regular car maintenance and servicing helps with the following:

• Catch wear and tear early
• Improve fuel efficiency (which is especially important with summer travel)
• Extend the lifespan of your vehicle
• Protect your manufacturer warranty

Think of servicing as preventative healthcare for your car—it keeps everything running smoothly and avoids breakdowns when you least expect them.

Skipping even one service might save you a few pounds in the short term, but long term? You could be looking at major repairs, lower fuel economy, or even voiding your manufacturer warranty. Prioritising car maintenance helps catch problems early and keeps your vehicle in excellent working condition.

What does a gold service usually include?

A gold car service (full service) typically checks or replaces over 50 components, including:

• Engine oil and filters
• Brake condition and fluid
• Tyre tread and pressure
• Steering and suspension
• Battery performance and lights
• Exhaust system and emissions

When should you book a car service?

Most vehicles benefit from a service once a year or every 12,000 miles—whichever comes first. But if you’ve got a summer road trip planned, or you’ve noticed sluggish starts, strange noises, or warning lights, don’t wait.

Whether you’re commuting, heading off on holiday, or just popping to the shops, staying on top of regular car maintenance helps prevent surprises and costly repairs. Think of it as a small investment in peace of mind—because no one wants their summer plans spoiled by a breakdown.

FAQs: Regular Car Maintenance

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