Yahoo News Drivers urged to make simple check before setting off on long journeys this summer
As the weather gets warmer, people all over the UK will be packing up their cars and heading off for staycations, trips to the beach or to catch up with loved ones - so the last thing you want is to break down on the side of the road.
It's important to stay on top of your car maintenance all year round in order to avoid any issues. However, certain issues are more likely to arise during the summer, especially when it comes to your engine.
Because of this, consumer experts at Which? have named one simple check that you should always do before heading off on any long journeys, and it only takes a couple of minutes.
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The heat of the warmer months means this vital part of your car is more at risk of overheating, which can be a very costly and irritating problem to deal with. According to consumer experts at Which?, one thing you should always do before setting off is have a look at your 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."
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.
