Essential car maintenance for warmer weather
Tuesday 22nd July 2025
With UK temperatures soaring past 30°C this summer, it’s not just us feeling the heat – your car can feel the pressure too. In the UK, we’re used to driving in mild conditions, but extreme heat can push your vehicle’s systems to their limits, increasing the risk of breakdowns. In this guide, we’ll show you what to watch out for so you can stay cool behind the wheel.
Does hot weather really cause more breakdowns?
In short: yes, it does. Hot weather can be just as brutal on your vehicle as freezing temperatures. From overheating engines to tyre blowouts, heat puts strain on your vehicle's core components. That’s why regular maintenance is essential to stay safe.
5 car parts most affected by heat
When the mercury rises, your vehicle works harder than usual. Here’s how to protect the five car parts most vulnerable to heat:
1. Engine
Overheating is the number one cause of summer breakdowns, according to data from the AA. High temperatures and low fluid levels – such as coolant and oil – can quickly push your engine to the limit, resulting in severe and costly damage.
Make sure your fluids are topped up, and if your car’s due for an oil change, don’t delay! Fresh oil helps keep your car cooler for longer.
Check out our guide on why your engine is overheating for more prevention tips.
2. Car battery
While winter weather is often blamed for battery failure, you might not realise that your car battery is more likely to fail in the summer.
Car battery failure in the summer is often caused by the fluid in your battery evaporating. A lack of battery fluid then leads to corrosion, causing lasting damage to your battery.
Formula One Autocentres offers free car battery checks all year round, so you can drive with confidence whatever the weather.
3. Tyres
Hot roads and high speeds can be a dangerous combo. Scorching hot tarmac and rising temperatures increase tyre pressure as the air inside the tyres expands, raising the risk of blowouts. Worn or damaged tyres are the most vulnerable.
If you can help it, avoid driving during the hottest part of the day. Stay safe and make sure to visually check your tyres for damage and ensure your tread is above the legal limit of 1.6mm.
Don’t forget, if you’re checking your tyre pressure, always make sure your tyres are cool first.
4. Air conditioning
Without air conditioning, your car’s interior can become dangerously hot. Low refrigerant gas levels can cause your air con to fail, leading to drowsiness and dehydration – both serious safety risks.
Check out everything you need to know about getting your air-con summer ready in our guide.
5. Wiper blades and screen wash fluid
Rubber wiper blades degrade faster in hot weather, and screen wash can evaporate over time. Together, these issues can lead to reduced visibility – a major hazard when driving.
Find out how often you should replace your wiper blades for a clear view all year round.
Free 10-point summer safety checks with Formula One Autocentres
A free 10-point summer safety check from Formula One Autocentres covers everything you need to drive with confidence this summer.
- Tyre condition and pressure check – to reduce the risk of blowouts
- Air con check and pollen filter check – to keep you cool
- Oil level check – to prevent overheating
- Wiper and washer check – to keep your windscreen clear
- Auxiliary and fan belt check – to prevent overheating or steering issues
- Exhaust check – to ensure the exhaust system is safe and in good condition
- Coolant level check – to keep your engine cool
- Exterior light check – for visibility in sudden storms
- Brake check – to handle rush-our and holiday traffic
- Free screen wash top-up with any online purchase
