As temperatures rise and school holidays approach, many drivers are planning long journeys — but not all are checking whether their vehicle is ready for them. Summer driving puts its own demands on cars: higher temperatures stress cooling systems and tyres, while the longer journey distances make pre-trip checks more important than ever.
Here's our summer checklist from the team at Pro Flo Exhausts & Tyres in Bradford.
Hot weather affects tyre pressure — air expands with heat, so pressures will rise slightly during a long drive. Check pressures cold (before driving or after being parked for a few hours) and set them to the manufacturer's recommended values.
Summer is also a good time to check tread depth. The UK minimum is 1.6mm, but for safe wet-weather braking, replace tyres at 2–3mm. Summer thunderstorms can dump serious amounts of water on roads quickly, and adequate tread depth is your primary protection against aquaplaning.
Also check tyres for any sidewall bulges or cracks — heat accelerates rubber degradation, and a weakened tyre is a serious blowout risk on motorways.
If your aircon wasn't particularly cold last summer, it almost certainly won't improve on its own. Air conditioning systems lose refrigerant gradually, and a system that was borderline last year may feel ineffective this year.
Book a regas before the first proper heatwave — appointments fill up quickly once temperatures rise. A regas at Pro Flo costs from £55 and takes around 45 minutes.
Your engine's cooling system works harder in warm weather. Check the coolant level in the expansion tank — it should be between the minimum and maximum markings when cold. If you're regularly topping it up, have it inspected for a leak.
Also check when coolant was last changed — most manufacturers recommend fresh coolant every 2–5 years. Old coolant loses its anti-corrosion properties and can damage the radiator and water pump over time.
Important: Never open the coolant cap when the engine is hot — the system is pressurised and the scalding coolant can spray out. Always wait until the engine is fully cold.
Check the oil level with the dipstick (engine cold, car on level ground). If it's low, top up with the correct grade for your engine (found in the owner's handbook). Running low on oil, especially on a long hot motorway journey, causes accelerated engine wear.
If your oil change is due, don't put it off. Fresh oil lubricates and cools the engine more effectively — both important in summer.
Summer doesn't mean dry weather in Yorkshire. Make sure your wiper blades clear the screen cleanly without streaking — blades degrade with UV exposure and temperature cycling. Top up screenwash to the correct concentration so it doesn't dry out or go mouldy in the heat.
Extended summer journeys — especially on hilly roads or when heavily loaded — put more demand on brakes. If you've noticed any squealing, grinding, or reduced braking performance, have the brakes inspected before a long trip rather than during one.
Summer is the best time to refurbish alloys — coatings cure best in warm, dry conditions. If your alloys have been suffering from winter road salt damage, kerb rash, or peeling lacquer, now is the ideal time to get them looking their best before any summer car shows or events.
Get your car ready for summer from Bradford's most trusted auto specialists. Call or book online for tyres, aircon, and more.
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