Pre-Holiday Vehicle Inspection Checklist For Summer Travel

Summer holidays are the perfect time for road trips, long drives, and spontaneous weekend getaways. Whether you're heading to the coast or driving through scenic countryside, having your car in shape before you set off is just as important as planning your route. It’s easy to get caught up in booking hotels and packing bags, but skipping a proper car check can put your trip and safety at risk. Just one unnoticed issue under the bonnet or a worn tyre could cause delays or even a breakdown.

That’s where a pre-holiday inspection comes in handy. It doesn’t have to be complicated either. A simple checklist can help you spot problems early and sort them before your journey begins. With summer heat and longer drives putting more strain on your car, now’s the time to make sure everything’s working as it should. Here’s a practical look at what areas to check before you hit the road.

Check Your Tyres

Your tyres are the only parts of your car that make contact with the road, so they need to be in good condition before any long trip. Summer driving, especially in warmer weather, can increase tyre pressure and lead to faster wear. Uneven tread or old tyres can affect grip, stopping distance and fuel efficiency, and in extreme cases, lead to blowouts.

Start by checking all four tyres for visible signs of damage like cracks, bulges or embedded debris. If one looks different from the others, measure the tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but having more tread is safer, especially if you're driving long distances. Use a tread depth gauge if you have one, or a 20p coin can give you a rough idea. If the outer band of the coin is still visible, the tread is probably too low.

Things to review before your journey:

- Tyre pressure: Use your car manual or the sticker on the door frame to find the correct levels. Tyres lose pressure over time and poor inflation affects handling.

- Tread depth: Keep it well above the minimum for better grip and drainage during sudden summer showers.

- Tyre age: Even tyres that look alright can go stale over time. If yours are over six years old, it might be time to replace them.

- Matching spares: If you’re carrying a spare, make sure it's in safe shape too.

If you’re unsure about rotation or wear patterns, it's better to let a technician take a look. Tyres that wear unevenly might point to an alignment issue worth fixing before your trip, not halfway through it.

Examine Brake System

Your brakes are key to keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. Summer travel often includes motorway stretches, stop-and-go traffic and unfamiliar roads. That means your brakes will be worked harder than usual, so it’s smart to give them a once-over before heading out.

Start with how they feel when you drive. If you notice any squeaking, grinding or a soft-feeling pedal, that’s a red flag. Vibrations when braking could point to worn rotors or warped parts. Even if your brakes seem quiet, it’s worth checking the pad thickness. Most pads have a wear indicator line. If they’re worn past it, they need changing.

Other parts to keep an eye on include:

- Brake fluid: This helps transmit force from your pedal down to the pads. If it’s low or looks dark, it might be time for a flush.

- Discs and rotors: Look for visible scoring or signs of heat damage.

- Brake lines and hoses: Make sure there are no visible leaks or cracks.

If you’re not used to checking fluid levels or don’t know what signs to watch for, have a professional give it a check. Brake issues can creep up slowly and are easier to fix before they turn into bigger risks on the road. One customer once mentioned hearing a faint squeal weeks before holiday and didn’t think much of it, until they found out the brake pads had worn right through during a routine check. Catching it early saved them from a breakdown away from home.

Test Battery Health

Your car battery might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip, but it plays a major part in keeping everything running. From starting the engine to powering the AC and charging your devices, it gets a workout on long summer journeys. Over time, batteries lose power, even more so if they’ve been exposed to extreme temperatures or not used often during the year.

Noises like a slow crank when starting the car or flickering dashboard lights can signal a weakening battery. It’s also worth checking for any corrosion or loose connections. A bit of white or blue chalky residue gathering around the terminals usually points to corrosion, and while it’s common, it can lead to poor electrical contact.

What to review before you drive off:

- Battery terminals: Check they’re tight and clean. Loose cables can cause power drops.

- Age of battery: If it’s more than four or five years old, it might be close to the end of its life.

- Signs of swelling or leaks: These are clear warnings the battery’s at risk of failure.

- Dashboard lights: A battery warning icon appearing even for a second shouldn't be ignored.

Before a long drive, especially if it’s through rural parts of Scotland where garages are few and far between, it’s better to have peace of mind than be stuck waiting for a jump-start. Testing battery health doesn’t take long and can save you a call-out during your time away.

Inspect Fluids

Fluids are like the lifeblood of your car. Without proper levels and clean fluids, parts of your vehicle can struggle or break down. In summer, when engines can run hotter, keeping an eye on the levels becomes even more important. Dry, low or dirty fluids can cause everything from engine overheating to brake failure.

There are a few you should check before you load up the boot and hit the motorways:

- Engine oil: Check the dipstick for level and colour. If it’s dark and thick, it might need changing. Oil lubricates the engine and helps with cooling.

- Coolant: Also known as antifreeze, it keeps your engine from getting too hot. Make sure it’s between the correct marks on the reservoir.

- Brake fluid: If it’s low or cloudy, it could point to wear in the brake system.

- Windscreen washer fluid: Bugs and dirt are common in summer, and a working spray system is handy for clear views.

If you notice any fluids leaking underneath your car, get it checked straightaway. Identifying the fluid’s colour or smell can help narrow down the cause, but even something as simple as a low coolant level can lead to an overheated engine in stop-start traffic.

Look Over Lights And Electrical Components

Heading out early in the morning or driving after sunset makes working lights a must. Checking them takes barely any time but could spare you from a fine or a hazard. Lights aren’t just about seeing the road, they also let other drivers know where you are or which way you're turning.

Make sure every bulb’s working:

- Headlights: Low and high beam should be bright and steady.

- Brake lights: Ask a mate or family member to watch as you press the pedal.

- Indicators and reverse lights: Test them all, especially if you're towing anything.

Dashboard warning messages should never be brushed off. If a light comes on and you're unsure what it means, it could be pointing to a bigger problem somewhere in the system. Climate control or AC issues, power window failures, or strange beeping sounds all fall under electrical quirks worth addressing.

Even small faults tend to show up after you’ve already set off, so it’s best to give all switches, buttons and tech a quick once-over while the car is parked. If anything acts up, it's worth having a technician sort it before you go.

Ready For A Smooth Trip? Here's To A Safe Summer Drive

Getting your car ready for a holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. Taking a few extra steps before leaving the driveway can make all the difference between a relaxing time away and being stuck at the side of the road. Whether it’s checking fluid levels, giving the battery a once-over or making sure lights aren’t playing up, it’s always worth the effort.

Think of it like prepping your suitcase. You wouldn’t leave without your sunscreen or passport. Giving your car the same care helps make sure all goes smoothly from start to finish. A reliable Glasgow car service can cover all the checks for you, leaving you and your loved ones free to enjoy the open road with confidence.

For a summer trip free of unexpected car troubles, getting a full check is a smart move. At Langlands Road Garage, our team is here to help make sure your vehicle is ready for the road. Learn how a thorough Glasgow car service can give you peace of mind before you set off.