Car essentials for the summer holidays
25th Jul 2022
Did you know that there are more breakdowns in the summer months than in the winter?
The RAC explains: “The summer months are often very tough on vehicles, as they have to battle baking sun, busy traffic, and humid conditions – all of which can lead to problems with your vehicle.”
In 2020, 31 July held top spot for the highest number of motorway breakdowns in one day, with a further six dates in the top ten falling in August.
With flights cancelled and report after report of airport and ferry terminal chaos hitting the news, many people are choosing ‘staycations’ rather than travel abroad and so roads are expected to be even busier than usual.
But there’s plenty you can do to prepare your car for the summer, and with planning ahead particularly important if you’re going to be driving long distances to a holiday destination.
Batteries – a top cause for summer breakdowns
Advice generally is to ensure that a car battery is kept in good condition throughout the year, but making sure it’s fully charged before starting a long journey is essential.
We have a range of smart battery charger and maintainers to choose from, with our 6/12V Smart Charger and Battery Maintainer, 10A recently receiving an Auto Express 2022 ‘Commended’. Suitable for 6V and 12V vehicles including cars, motorcycles and vans, this portable smart charger does far more than just charge batteries as it can activate, analyse and recondition batteries in a 10-step process. This means it’s particularly useful for dealing with deep discharged batteries.
Should the worse come to the worst, however, and you do have a problem with a flat battery, we also stock a range of jump starters.
Tyre-related incidents most likely in June, July and August
Longer journeys with extra passengers and luggage put additional strain on tyres.
Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe Chair: “But we can minimise the chances of having an unwanted stop due to tyre defects by carrying out checks before we set off. They only take a few minutes. Remember to ACT – air pressure, condition and tread. Don’t let your tyres ruin your summer holiday.”
Underinflation is the biggest cause of problems with tyres. A reported 57% of tyres on British vehicles are underinflated – and adding extra weight increases the potential for problems. It’s important to check the recommended settings for each of the tyres for your particular vehicle, but the higher setting is usually the one needed for a packed car.
We have a range of tools for checking tyre pressure, with our Digital Tyre Pressure Reader also having been awarded an Auto Express 2022 ‘Commended’. Take a look, too, at our newly launched 12V Analogue Tyre Inflator, designed for the rapid inflation of car, bicycle, motorcycle and small commercial vehicle tyres. It also comes with a range of adaptors for inflating balls, toys and other inflatable products – perfect for keeping everyone happy!
Although the legal limit in the UK for tyre tread is 1.6mm, a minimum depth of 3mm is recommended. The Draper Digital Tyre Tread Depth Gauge is a particularly useful tool to keep handy when doing your tyre checks as it’s an easy way to give you an accurate depth reading.
If you’re at all worried about the condition of your tyres – if there’s cracking or bumps for example – always seek professional advice.
Have your breakdown provider's details in your phone, just in case you ever need them. A warning triangle is also
Checking fluid levels
Checking on the levels of engine oil, coolant and screenwash should also be done regularly, but is particularly important before starting out on a long journey.
Both the AA and the RAC have excellent advice on how to do this if you’re not sure.
Keeping the car clean – outside and in
Regular car washing is part of good car maintenance. However, many people think it’s not quite so important in the summer, with the better weather and busy holiday activities taking over time, etc. But in fact, it’s just as important as heat can cause a build-up of grime and salt and which will affect the paint and metal. And while we all try to head for the shady parking spots on these hot days, sap from trees can also harden and damage paintwork.
Our D20 20V Cordless Pressure Washer Kit is one of the best cordless pressure washer models on the market – perfect for cleaning the car, and great for on the go, and washing down bikes, paddleboards, etc.
For inside the car, keep a tub of our award-winning Hard Graft Heavy Duty Wipes handy. Antibacterial, each wipe is impregnated with an advanced hi-tech cleaning formula to give industrial-strength cleaning.
Extra precautions for these hot, sunny days
Consider starting out on a journey earlier or later than you would normally. There’ll be less traffic and cooler temperatures.
Ensure you have fuel to cover the whole journey, and bearing in mind that cars use more fuel in heavy traffic and in the start-stop conditions that can characterise summer roads.
While topping up on fluids for the car, remember to top up fluids for the occupants. Take plenty of water and – just in case the worst does happen – pack hats, suntan lotion and umbrellas for any unscheduled stops.
Have your breakdown provider's details in your phone, just in case you ever need them. A warning triangle is also sensible to have handy in the car.
