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Following a car maintenance checklist before the warmer months can help keep your vehicle safe, reliable and ready for longer journeys. Start by checking your tyre pressures and tread depth, as warmer temperatures can affect inflation levels. Next, inspect your engine oil, coolant and brake fluid to ensure they're at the correct levels and free from contamination. It's also worth testing your battery, checking your windscreen wipers and washer fluid, and making sure all exterior lights are working correctly. Finally, if you're planning a summer road trip, inspect your air conditioning system and carry a basic emergency kit so you're prepared for unexpected situations.
High temperatures can place extra demands on your vehicle, making summer car maintenance just as important as winter preparation. Your cooling system works harder in warm weather, so checking coolant levels and looking for signs of leaks can help prevent overheating. Tyre pressures should also be monitored regularly, as heat causes air to expand, potentially affecting handling and tyre wear. Keeping your vehicle clean, protecting the paintwork from prolonged sun exposure and ensuring the air conditioning is operating efficiently will all help improve comfort and preserve your vehicle throughout the summer months.
Tyres are one of the most important components of your entire car. They’re the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, of course, which is why looking after them should be at the top of your list of priorities. Check over their general condition and look out for any cuts or bulges. If you find some, replace the affected tyre right away - they could easily lead to a blow-out.
Make sure that they’re inflated to the correct pressures, too, and you can find these in the vehicle handbook or sometimes on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Make sure that the tread depth is correct, too; the UK’s legal minimum is 1.6mm, so check them using a gauge or ask a professional to do this for you. Don’t forget to check over your spare tyre if your car has one, too.
Your car won’t be going far for long without the right amount of fluids on board. Check your car’s oil using the dipstick, removing it, cleaning it offer and then replacing it into the engine before re-checking. Add more oil in steady increments - and always use the correct oil for your car. Again, this will be in the vehicle handbook.
Make sure your car isn’t running low on coolant, too. This is how your car is able to maintain a steady temperature, and running low on it could result in your car overheating. Check the coolant reservoir and top it up with coolant if it’s lower than the gauge.
Summer provides a great opportunity to check over your windscreen. During other parts of the year, your windscreen takes a beating, with stones and grit playing havoc with it. So during summer, look out for any chips or cracks which may have developed over time. If they’re large, your windscreen may need replacing, though some specialists can spot-fix smaller chips to stop them from worsening.
If your windscreen is littered with insects, then use a dedicated cleaner to wipe them away easily. While you’re there, check over your car’s wipers. If they’re cracked or squeaking when used, then they’re worth replacing, and the good news is that swapping them out is easy - though many motor part retailers will be able to do this for you if you’re unsure.
Even though the summertime is brighter, you still need to make sure that your lights are working as they should. Once it’s dark, check that all of your lights are operating properly - it could be worth asking a friend to help you out here so that they can watch the car while you switch the lights on and off. Replace any blown bulbs or, again, ask a professional to do this if you’d like some help.
You’re going to want brakes which perform well. After all, a car that doesn’t slow down could end up being very dangerous. So make sure that your brake pedal feels solid; if it’s ‘soft’ or travels too far down when pressed, you may need to top the car up with brake fluid. This is something that might be best done by a professional if you’re unsure, as the brakes may need further attention.
Even a few small checks can help to make your car safer and more efficient this summer. But if you’d rather swap into a new car, then check out Eden’s range of both pre-owned and brand-new vehicles today.
While regular at-home checks are an important part of any vehicle maintenance checklist, they don't replace a professional service. During a scheduled service, trained technicians inspect components that aren't always easy to assess yourself, including the braking system, suspension, steering, exhaust and battery condition. A professional inspection can also identify developing faults before they become costly repairs, helping to keep your vehicle safe, reliable and ready for everyday driving.
While carrying out your own car maintenance checklist is a great way to spot potential issues early, regular professional servicing helps ensure your vehicle stays in the best possible condition. At Eden Motor Group, our experienced technicians provide a comprehensive range of aftersales services, including interim and full servicing, MOTs, brake inspections, tyre services and air conditioning maintenance. Using state-of-the-art workshop equipment, we can identify and resolve issues before they become more costly repairs, helping to keep your car safe, reliable and performing at its best.
Whether you're preparing for a long summer road trip or simply keeping up with your manufacturer's recommended service schedule, our team is here to help. We also offer flexible Eden Service Plans, allowing you to spread the cost of routine maintenance while benefiting from features such as free vehicle health checks, discounts on workshop repairs and inflation-proof servicing costs. If your vehicle is due a service, you can book online or speak to your local Eden Motor Group service centre for expert advice and support.
What should be on a car maintenance checklist?
Include tyres, fluids, brakes, battery, lights, air conditioning and wipers.
How often should I check my vehicle?
Recommend monthly checks and before long journeys.
What is included in a vehicle maintenance checklist?
Discuss routine inspections, fluid levels and tyre condition.
What is included in a car service?
Perfect for:
Why is summer car maintenance important?
Discuss heat, tyre pressures and cooling systems.
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