Five common car faults that could ruin your holiday
Car faults guide By Philip Storm, Fleetmaxx Solutions
The summer getaway should be one of the highlights of the year. The route is planned, the cases are packed and there are enough snacks in the car to feed a small army.
Unfortunately, the one thing many of us forget to prepare is the vehicle taking us there.
Longer journeys, heavier loads and warmer temperatures can place additional strain on a car. A minor fault that causes few problems during short, everyday trips can quickly develop into an expensive breakdown when the vehicle is travelling for several hours in the summer heat.
New data from automotive diagnostics specialist Carly has identified five of the most common summer car problems. The most serious could leave motorists facing a repair bill of more than £3,000.
Why summer driving can be hard on your car
Heat affects vehicles in several different ways. It can accelerate battery deterioration, increase tyre pressures, place extra demand on cooling systems and make engine oil less effective.
Add a fully loaded boot, several passengers and a long motorway journey, and your car may be working considerably harder than normal.
The good news is that many summer breakdowns can be prevented with a few straightforward checks before setting off.
Common car faults and their costs
| Common fault | Why it happens | Estimated repair cost |
|---|---|---|
| 12-volt battery | Heat accelerates battery ageing and can contribute to fluid evaporation, voltage problems and complete battery failure. | £80 to £260 |
| Cooling system | Low coolant, radiator faults or a failing water pump can cause the engine to overheat. | £60 to £700 |
| Air conditioning | Leaks, compressor faults and an overheating condenser can prevent the system from working properly. | £70 to £1,040 |
| Engine or transmission oil | Heat can reduce the effectiveness of oil and compromise the lubrication of important components. | £65 to £3,020 |
| Tyres | Warmer temperatures can increase tyre pressure, raising the risk of excessive wear or a blowout. | £85 to £700 per incident |
Estimated repair costs and fault information supplied by Carly. Figures may vary depending on the vehicle, fault and repair provider.
1. A failing 12-volt battery
Most drivers associate flat batteries with freezing winter mornings, but hot weather can be just as damaging.
Higher temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions inside a battery, causing it to age more quickly. If the battery is already weak, a long journey or repeated use of electrical equipment could be enough to cause a complete failure.
Warning signs can include slow engine cranking, dim lights or problems with electrical systems. However, a battery can sometimes fail with very little warning.
If your battery is several years old or has previously struggled to start the vehicle, it is sensible to have it checked before travelling.
2. Problems with the cooling system
Your car’s cooling system works hard during warmer weather, particularly when the vehicle is carrying extra weight or sitting in slow-moving holiday traffic.
Low coolant levels, leaks, a blocked radiator or a failing water pump can all cause the engine temperature to rise. Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can turn a relatively manageable repair into serious engine damage.
Always check the coolant level when the engine is cold. If you regularly need to add coolant, there may be a leak that needs professional attention.
Never remove the coolant cap while the engine is hot, as the system may be under pressure.
3. Air conditioning car faults
A broken air-conditioning system might not stop the car from moving, but it can make a long summer journey uncomfortable and tiring.
Common problems include low refrigerant levels, leaks, damaged condensers and failed compressors. With some air-conditioning repairs estimated to cost more than £1,000, it is worth checking the system before the hottest days arrive.
Run the air conditioning before your holiday and make sure it produces consistently cold air. Unusual noises, unpleasant smells or weak airflow may indicate that the system needs attention.
4. Engine and transmission oil issues
Oil protects the moving components inside your engine and gearbox. When oil becomes old, contaminated or too low, it cannot provide the same level of protection.
Carly warns that heat can reduce oil viscosity and compromise lubrication. If ignored, this can contribute to expensive engine or transmission repairs, potentially costing as much as £3,020.
Check the oil level while the vehicle is parked on level ground and follow the instructions in the handbook. If the oil warning light appears, do not simply continue driving and hope that it disappears.
An intermittent warning light still needs investigating.
5. Tyre damage and blowouts
Tyres are your vehicle’s only contact with the road, so checking them should always be a priority.
Air inside a tyre expands as temperatures rise. Incorrect pressures, existing damage or worn tread can increase the risk of premature wear and tyre failure during a long journey.
Check pressures when the tyres are cold and remember that a fully loaded vehicle may require different pressures. The correct figures can normally be found inside the driver’s door, behind the fuel flap or in the vehicle handbook.
You should also look for cuts, cracks, bulges and uneven wear, and remember to check the spare wheel if your vehicle has one.
Checks to complete before a long summer journey
You do not need to be a mechanic to carry out a useful pre-journey inspection. Before heading away, take a few minutes to check:
- Engine oil and coolant levels
- Brake fluid, windscreen wash and power steering fluid where applicable
- Tyre pressures, tread depth and overall condition
- Battery condition
- Headlights, brake lights and indicators
- Windscreen wipers
- Air-conditioning performance
- Dashboard warning lights
- Any unusual noises, smells or changes in how the vehicle drives
It is also sensible to make sure that you have suitable breakdown cover, particularly when travelling a long distance or taking the vehicle overseas.
Car faults: Do not ignore the warning signs
Carly UK Growth Manager Emma Brown said:
“Summer holidays should be about making memories, not worrying about whether your car will make it to the destination. Carly gives drivers greater peace of mind by helping them identify potential issues before they become costly breakdowns.
“A quick health check of your vehicle can reveal hidden car faults, battery problems, or maintenance needs, allowing drivers to address them in advance of setting off.”
That is the most important message for every driver. Warning lights, unusual sounds and small fluid leaks rarely repair themselves. Dealing with an issue before your holiday will usually be safer, less stressful and considerably less expensive than waiting until the vehicle breaks down.
Helping businesses keep vehicles road-ready
For businesses running commercial vehicles, regular checks are important throughout the year, but they become even more valuable during the summer months.
A few straightforward checks before a long journey could prevent hours at the roadside and protect your business from a repair bill running into thousands of pounds.
Businesses can make these checks easier to manage with the CheckedSafe driver walk-round check app from Fleetmaxx Solutions. Drivers can complete and record their vehicle inspections digitally, report defects immediately and provide fleet managers with a clear, real-time record of any issues requiring attention.
It is a simple way to avoid card faults, improve vehicle safety, demonstrate compliance and resolve minor problems before they develop into expensive breakdowns.
A few minutes now could save your journey
At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we understand how important it is to keep vehicles safe, efficient and on the road. This applies whether you are preparing the family car for a summer break or managing an entire business fleet.
Pack the bags, plan the route and choose the snacks, but please remember to give the vehicle a little attention as well. It could be the most important part of your journey preparation.
