Packing the kids, loading the roof box and arguing over playlists is apparently only half the preparation needed for a summer road trip. According to automotive diagnostics specialist Carly, the biggest holiday spoiler isn’t traffic – it’s your own car.
Using data gathered from millions of vehicle diagnostic scans, Carly says the five most common summer failures are:
The humble 12V battery tops the list, with high temperatures accelerating battery ageing and increasing the chance of complete failure just when you’re ready to head off. Repair costs can range from around £80-£260, while ignoring cooling system issues could result in bills stretching into four figures. Air conditioning also works hardest during hot weather, meaning compressors and condensers are placed under far greater strain than usual.
Perhaps the biggest potential wallet-buster comes from neglected engine and transmission oil, with Carly estimating worst-case repairs can exceed £3,000.
The company recommends carrying out basic checks on fluid levels and tyre pressures before any long journey, while owners using Carly’s OBD diagnostic scanner – a plug-in Bluetooth OBD2 adapter paired with a mobile app – can perform a full health check capable of detecting hidden faults before warning lights appear.
Even if everything checks out, it’s still worth packing a basic breakdown kit. Recovery specialist Start Rescue recommends keeping bottled water, a phone charger, torch, warning triangle, high-vis vest and basic first aid supplies in the car – because sometimes prevention only gets you so far.
Carly has been making plenty of headlines recently after signing Richard Hammond as a brand ambassador, while its previous research found motorists remain split over whether to trust vehicle technology or their own instincts behind the wheel.
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