As the days stretch longer and the UK heatwave teases road trip dreams, it’s time to prep your car for summer. Whether you’re bound for the rugged coastlines of Cornwall or chasing sun-kissed escapades across the Channel, ensuring your car is summer-ready isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Goodyear, one of the world’s leading tire innovators, has dropped timely advice that every motorist should heed before hitting the road.
Summer Driving Starts with Your Tyres
Your tyres are the unsung heroes of every journey. Goodyear underscores the need to inspect them thoroughly, look for tread wear, cracks, and ensure the pressures match your load. Tread depth laws vary across Europe, so knowing the local rules could save you a fine, or worse.
Opting for the right tyre can transform your drive. Goodyear recommends their Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 summer tyres for peak warm-weather performance. Designed for both electric and petrol vehicles, these tyres offer a superior grip and shorter braking distances, whether you’re dodging sudden summer downpours or navigating alpine passes.
Don’t Let a Full Boot Weigh You Down
Overloading is more common than you’d think, especially on family holidays. Always check your vehicle’s tyre pressure placard (often inside the driver’s door frame or fuel cap) and adjust accordingly. Overloaded vehicles can compromise handling and increase the risk of tyre failure.
And don’t forget the spare, if you’re lucky enough to have one. Even if unused, tyres degrade over time. A quick check can save you from being stranded on a scorching motorway shoulder.
Fluids, Cooling, and Comfort
Warm weather demands more from your vehicle. Before departure, top up essential fluids, engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windscreen washer. Test your air-con too; no one wants a heatwave in the cabin.
Europe’s Patchwork of Road Rules
Cross-border travel brings more than just language changes. European countries differ widely in what they expect from drivers. France, for instance, requires a reflective jacket and Crit’Air emissions sticker. Germany bans radar detectors. Italy enforces strict low-emission zones.
Before your trip, do a quick regulations check for every country on your itinerary. Don’t forget about motorway vignettes in places like Austria and Switzerland, they’re mandatory and often overlooked.
Emergency Kit? Essential
Pack for the unexpected. A well-stocked emergency kit (think: first aid, high-vis vests, hazard triangle, torch, and even snacks) could be your saviour. Regularly check your lights and wipers too, they’re your first line of defence in poor visibility.
A Word from the Experts
“Driving with the right tires during the warmer months is essential for maintaining the ideal driving experience,” says Ben Glesener, Goodyear’s Senior Director Technology Consumer EMEA. “With our premium summer tire range and over 125 years of innovation, Goodyear is proud to support drivers in enjoying every journey this season.”
Final Thoughts
At Motor Verso, we know summer journeys are about freedom, exploration, and the thrill of the open road. But it all starts with smart prep. Whether you’re tweaking pressures or switching to summer rubber, those few minutes spent now could be the difference between a dream drive and a roadside breakdown.
Before you set off, give your car the TLC it deserves, and feel the drive this summer with confidence.
