Ready for the Road? 5 Essential Checks Before Your Summer Road Trip from Rugby
With the May bank holidays just around the corner and the summer sun (hopefully) making an appearance, many of us in Rugby are eyeing up the coast or a getaway to the Peak District. But before you load the boot and set the sat-nav, is your car as ready for the journey as you are?
High temperatures and long motorway hauls put unique stresses on your vehicle. To help you avoid a holiday-spoiling breakdown, the team at Great Central Auto has put together this essential pre-trip checklist.
1. Check Your Tyres (Pressure and Tread)
Heat causes the air inside your tyres to expand, while heavy holiday loads put extra pressure on the rubber.
The Check: Check your tyre pressures when they are "cold" (before you start driving). You can find the correct PSI for a fully loaded car in your owner's manual or on the inside of the driver’s door frame.
Tread Depth: Ensure you have at least 1.6mm of tread (though 3mm is recommended for summer rain grip).
2. Fluids: Don’t Let Your Engine Thirst
Your engine works much harder in summer heat, especially if you’re stuck in traffic on the M1 or M6.
Coolant: Ensure your coolant levels are between the 'min' and 'max' marks. Never open the coolant cap while the engine is hot.
Oil: Low oil levels can lead to overheating and engine damage.
Screenwash: Summer driving often means more insects and dust on the windscreen. Keep your reservoir topped up with a good quality summer screenwash.
3. Air Conditioning: More Than Just Comfort
In a previous post, we discussed Aircon Sanitisation, but functionality is just as important. If your aircon is struggling to blow cold air now, it will likely fail during a heatwave. A working AC system also helps demist windows quickly during those sudden summer downpours.
4. Battery Health
Most people associate battery failure with winter, but heat is actually a battery's worst enemy. It can cause internal fluids to evaporate and accelerate corrosion. If your car has been slow to start recently, have the battery tested before you head off.
5. The Emergency Kit
Even a well-maintained car can have an off day. Your summer road trip kit should include:
A litre of engine oil and a bottle of water.
A high-visibility jacket and warning triangle.
A mobile phone power bank.
Sunglasses (essential for glare on the M6!).
Planning Your Route from Rugby
Whether you’re heading south to the Cotswolds or north to the Yorkshire Dales, Rugby is perfectly positioned for a great British road trip. If you are driving an EV, remember to check the ultra-rapid charging hubs we highlighted in our Rugby EV Guide.
Get a Professional Peace of Mind
If the thought of checking dipsticks and tyre pressures feels a bit daunting, let us do the heavy lifting. At Great Central Auto, our BOSCH-certified technicians can perform a comprehensive safety check to ensure your vehicle is in peak condition for the miles ahead.
[Book Your Vehicle Health Check Today]Call us on 01788 565243 or visit our service department on Leicester Road, Rugby.