Drivers urged to do simple check that can help long journeys

24 June 2024 , 10:00

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Checking your car before you go can help you prevent it from breaking down (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Nobody wants to be faced with a broken-down car, especially during the summer when you're potentially heading off on your holidays.

Car maintenance is essential all year round, but during the warmer months, certain issues are more likely to arise - so it's important to keep on top of your vehicle's care.

And according to consumer experts at Which?, one of the main problems drivers face during the summer is to do with the engine overheating. This can be a real nuisance, not to mention a very expensive problem to fix.

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So something that you should always do before setting off on any long journeys is checking your engine coolant levels. If it needs topped up, it's important to remember that you still need to use antifreeze even in the summer. Which? car expert Daljinder Nagra said: "If there's not the correct dilution of antifreeze in your car's coolant tank, it could cause engine damage when the weather starts to turn."

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You should use a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze to do this, but never try to unscrew the coolant tank's lid if you have just finished driving. This pressure can cause hot water to spray all over you, so instead, wait for the engine to cool fully before unscrewing the lid slowly.

Similarly, you should also always make sure to check that your air conditioning is working before setting off in the car during summer - especially if you haven't used it in a while.

Air-con units that haven’t been used in a while can develop mould or suffer cracked seals, resulting in an unpleasant musty smell or an ineffective system. Because of this, it’s best to use your air-con often throughout the year and test it thoroughly well in advance of a long journey.

If it's not working as well as it should, get it checked by your local garage. It might just need a quick re-gas - which usually costs around £50-£100.

Nicola Roy