One of the busiest times of the year on the roads of Britain is the summer. Families go out for outings, delivery drivers face packed schedules, and tradespeople spend longer travelling between jobs. Unfortunately, with warmer weather and heavier traffic, hidden vehicle problems can often get exposed.
It’s important to make a quick check before going anywhere as it might help you avoid an unexpected summer car breakdown and the stress of waiting beside a busy road.
Many people often think that only during the freezing winter mornings is when their vehicles tend to break down, but this can also happen during high temperatures. The summer season often strains the batteries, tyres, and cooling systems with heavier demands because of how long the trips become and how slow the traffic moves.
Air conditioning, phone chargers and sat nav systems being on at the same time can result in a weak battery. Tyres can also become more vulnerable when they have low pressure, are worn or are carrying a heavier load. At the same time, if there isn't adequate coolant or the cooling fan is faulty, the temperature of the engine can rise rapidly.
Thus, before travelling, make sure to take a few minutes to check the condition of your vehicle instead of assuming that everything is fine.
Start with the tyres. Look for any cracks, cuts, bulges and uneven wear, and make sure the pressure matches the manufacturer’s recommendations. When carrying extra passengers, luggage or equipment, the required pressure may be different.
Next, also check the coolant and engine oil while the vehicle is parked on level ground and the engine is cold. Never remove the coolant cap from a hot engine, as pressurised steam or liquid can cause serious injury.
Screen-wash is also important in summer. Dust, insects and road dirt can quickly reduce visibility, particularly when driving towards low sunlight.
Business vehicles often cover more miles and carry heavier loads than ordinary family cars. That means tyres, brakes, batteries and cooling systems may experience greater strain.
A breakdown can also affect more than the driver. It may delay deliveries, cause missed appointments and result in lost income. Regular checks are therefore especially important for anyone operating a van, Luton van or light commercial vehicle.
When a working vehicle cannot continue safely, professional van recovery in Leicester or light commercial vehicle recovery can help get it off the road and reduce disruption.
If your car breaks down on the motorway, try to get off at the next junction or, if possible, at a service area. If your vehicle cannot continue, pull over as far left as it is safe to do so and stop in a safe emergency area where possible.
Turn on the flashing lights and exit the car from the side that is away from traffic. Passengers should then stand behind a safety barrier when it is safe to do so.
Do not try to carry out repairs alongside a live motorway lane. Call a professional company that offers M1 breakdown recovery or M69 motorway recovery and provide them with your direction of travel, nearest junction, vehicle information and precise location.
Even a well-maintained vehicle can suffer an unexpected fault. Saving the number of a trusted local recovery company before travelling can make a difficult situation much easier.
Midlands Recovery & Rescue provides breakdown recovery in Leicester for cars, vans, commercial vehicles and larger vehicles. The company also covers surrounding locations and key motorway routes across the Midlands.
A five-minute inspection before leaving may prevent a breakdown. But when the journey does not go to plan, reliable vehicle recovery across Leicester and the Midlands can help you and your vehicle reach safety.
Yes. High temperatures can place extra strain on the battery, tyres, cooling system and engine. Low coolant, worn tyres and a weak battery are common causes of a summer car breakdown.
Check your tyre pressure, coolant, engine oil, screenwash, battery and warning lights. You should also carry drinking water, a charged mobile phone and the contact details of a local breakdown recovery service.
Move to an emergency area, hard shoulder or as far left as safely possible. Switch on your hazard lights, leave the vehicle from the side away from traffic and stand behind a safety barrier before contacting an M1 breakdown recovery provider.
Yes. Midlands Recovery & Rescue provides van recovery in Leicester for standard vans, Luton vans and extra-long-wheelbase vehicles. Recovery is also available for light commercial and larger business vehicles.
Yes. The company offers commercial vehicle recovery in the Midlands, including support for light commercial vehicles, 7.5-tonne lorries and vehicles weighing up to 10 tonnes.
The company provides breakdown recovery in Leicester and surrounding areas, including Loughborough, Coalville, Hinckley, Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Nuneaton. It also covers key sections of the M1 and M69.
Provide your exact location, direction of travel, nearest junction, vehicle registration and vehicle type. You should also explain the fault when known and mention how many passengers are travelling with you.