Why the Summer Bank Holiday Is a Crucial Time for Vehicle Safety

The summer bank holiday weekend (Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August 2025) is one of the most popular periods for UK travel. Families pack their cars and head for beaches, scenic countryside, music festivals, and attractions across the country.

But with more cars on the road, hotter weather, and long-distance driving, it’s also one of the most risky times for car trouble—especially if your vehicle hasn’t had a recent check-up.

Breakdowns, overheating engines, tyre blowouts, and failed air con systems are all too common over the summer bank holiday weekend. That’s why now is the perfect time to book your summer bank holiday car service at your nearest Elite Garages branch—including our newly opened Dorchester car service centre.

Plan Your Summer Bank Holiday Road Trip the Smart Way

Before you set off on a summer road trip, take time to prepare your vehicle properly. It’s not just about avoiding costly breakdowns—it’s about peace of mind, fuel savings, and passenger safety.

Here’s how to prepare for your summer bank holiday road trip:

  • Book a car service or safety check
  • Test your air conditioning and cooling system
  • Inspect your tyres for wear or under-inflation
  • Top up fluids (oil, washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid)
  • Charge your phone and pack an emergency kit
  • Plan your route and allow extra time for traffic

Your local Elite Garages branch, including the new Dorchester car service centre, can help with all of the above—just call 01305 608919 to book.

Tyre Safety Checks Before the Summer Bank Holiday

Tyre issues are one of the biggest culprits for holiday breakdowns. Whether you’re towing a caravan, heading to a beach with the family, or simply clocking up a few hundred miles, healthy tyres are essential.

What to check before your trip:

  • Tread depth: Minimum legal tread is 1.6mm, but anything under 3mm reduces wet grip.
  • Tyre pressure: Check and adjust when cold. Refer to your car’s handbook or door label.
  • Tyre condition: Look for cracks, bulges, uneven wear, or objects embedded in the tread.

Need help? Elite Garages offers free tyre safety checks to help you stay road legal and holiday-ready.

Economy or Budget Tyres from Elite Garages

  • iLink
  • Goodride

Mid-Range Tyres at Elite Garages

  • Rapid Tyres (often “premium economy tyres”)
  • Avon
  • Yokohama
  • Hankook
  • Toyo
  • Kumho
  • Goodride

Premium Tyres from Elite Garages

  • Michelin
  • Continental
  • Pirelli
  • Goodyear
  • Bridgestone
  • Firestone

We also stock van tyres, 4×4 tyres, and specialist tyres for high-performance models.

Air Con Regas: Essential for Summer Bank Holiday Comfort

Most UK drivers don’t realise that air conditioning systems lose 10–15% of refrigerant per year. If your car’s air con hasn’t been serviced recently, it may blow warm air—or not work at all when you need it most.

Before your summer bank holiday trip, ask yourself:

  • Is your air con cooling effectively?
  • Does it smell musty when turned on?
  • Does it take longer than usual to clear misted windows?

If so, it’s time to book an air con regas. This quick service restores the system’s cooling performance and helps reduce fuel consumption. It’s especially important if you’re travelling with kids, pets, or elderly passengers this summer bank holiday.

Recommended: How Often Should I get an Air Cod Regas for my Car?

Wheel Alignment: For a Safer, More Comfortable Drive

Many drivers mistake wheel alignment for a cosmetic issue, but misalignment can have serious safety and efficiency consequences:

  • Uneven or rapid tyre wear
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Pulling to one side while driving
  • Poor handling, especially on motorways

Elite Garages offers professional wheel alignment checks and adjustments. If you’ve hit a pothole recently or changed your tyres, it’s best to have the alignment checked before your summer bank holiday car service.

Proper alignment also improves your car’s steering response and ride comfort—vital for long journeys. Book your wheel alignment today!

ADAS Calibration: Crucial for Modern Car Safety

If your car has features like:

  • Lane assist
  • Emergency braking
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Adaptive cruise control

…then it relies on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems use sensors and cameras mounted behind windscreens, bumpers and mirrors.

After windscreen replacement, tracking, or suspension work, your ADAS may need recalibration to function correctly. Some Elite Garages branches, including Fareham, Salisbury, and Southampton, offer this service. Check when booking your summer bank holiday car safety check.

MOTs Before the Summer Bank Holiday Weekend

Has your car’s MOT expired or due soon? Driving without a valid MOT is illegal—and a failed MOT could ruin your weekend plans. Elite Garages is an approved DVSA MOT testing centre. Book your MOT before the summer bank holiday and we’ll check:

  • Brakes and tyres
  • Exhaust and emissions
  • Steering and suspension
  • Lights, seatbelts, wipers and more

📍 Our Dorchester branch is now open for MOTs, services, tyre fitting and repairs.

Family-Friendly Travel: Keeping Kids and Cars Happy

School holidays, family days out, and back-to-school season all collide around the summer bank holiday. That means you’ll likely be travelling with little ones. Here are some practical family travel tips:

  • Double-check child car seats are installed correctly
  • Clean your interior before the trip (minimise back-seat chaos!)
  • Pack snacks, books, tablets and headphones
  • Use sunshades on windows
  • Bring a power bank and charging cables
  • Keep a bin bag handy!

A simple car service before the weekend can also help you avoid mid-journey meltdowns caused by breakdowns. Here are some more tips on vehicle preparation and road tip planning.

Get Back-to-School Ready After the Summer Bank Holiday

Once the bank holiday’s over, September brings a return to routine—school runs, work commutes, and darker mornings. Book your summer bank holiday car service now so you’re not scrambling in September.

  • Get your MOT done early
  • Top up essential fluids
  • Replace worn tyres
  • Book a brake inspection
  • Check for slow punctures

Elite Garages offers full Bronze, Silver and Gold service packages, all tailored to your mileage and driving habits. Not sure which car service you should choose? Read this detailed guide or contact your nearest Elite Garages car service centre.

Final Vehicle Checks Before You Go

Here’s a quick checklist to review before your summer bank holiday getaway:

  • Tyre tread and pressure
  • Air con working properly
  • Fluids topped up (oil, brake, coolant, screen wash)
  • Brake function and responsiveness
  • Lights and wipers
  • MOT and service status
  • Spare tyre or repair kit
  • Satnav/app updated
  • Emergency kit in boot
  • Phone fully charged (and pack a car charger)

Tick these off and you’re good to go. And, if you need some help on route planning, take a look at these Route Planner Apps.

Book Your Summer Bank Holiday Car Service with Elite Garages

We’re here to keep your vehicle road-ready, safe and comfortable—whether you’re planning a day trip or a long journey this summer bank holiday. Don’t leave it too late. Appointments fill up fast in the lead-up to any sort of holiday, so book early!