Wacky weather: vehicle care in sunshine and thunderstorms

We know it’s a British stereotype to chat about the weather, but come on. Summer 2023 is already a weird one. After one of the wettest winters on record, the UK is now seeing scorching temperatures, warm thunderstorms, and weather warnings.

When it’s 30 degrees one minute and thunder’s echoing around your house the next, vehicle care can get confusing. Here’s the latest on what to prepare for, and how to prepare.

What’s up with the weather?

This June we’ve seen temperatures reaching into the 30s, and bins floating down streets in flash floods.

And the chaos only looks set to continue. The Met Office has predicted temperatures to be “wildly above average” into July. No official statement on the expected bin quantity yet though…

We’re getting a sweat just thinking about “wildly above average”. Especially considering last year the UK broke temperature records by reaching into the 40s.

But, whatever happens, we can be prepared.

What’s different about 2023 summer vehicle care?

We can’t just discuss vehicle care for beautiful, sunny days. We also have to think about increased humidity and severe thunderstorms.

Vehicles react to weather. Some parts will work harder in the heat, others will be put under strain by wet and windy weather. When conditions are so up and down, it’s up to all of us to keep an eye on how our vehicles function.

This means more regular checks, which is no bad thing in our books.

What should I check if it’s getting hot?

One of the biggest reasons for breakdown callouts in the summer is tyre trouble. It’s crucial you check their pressure and condition regularly, especially when temperatures climb.

Your fluids are also important. Namely your engine oil, coolant, and washer fluid. Your vehicle needs to be topped up on all of these to work smoothly.

OK, it doesn’t need the washer fluid, but if your windscreen is dirty from pollen, dust, or bugs, you’ll need it to see.

If you’re unsure how to check your fluids, we’ve got a blog all about that here.

What should I check if there’s a storm or temperatures drop?

With wet or windy weather over the summer, make sure to check your windscreen wipers and washer fluid. A faulty wiper’s the last thing you’ll want during a summer storm.

It can also be good for the long-term care of your vehicle to have a cover. This prevents debris from marking the paint, or getting into any crevices it shouldn’t. Just for that reason, we have car covers available on our shop.

Now, while it’s not likely to get super cold any time soon, it’s good to think ahead for when temperatures drop.

Colder weather can put pressure on your battery. So, you should always get this checked if the temperature takes a sharp drop (or once we get to winter). If you haven’t had it checked recently, book your vehicle in for a check-up just in case.

For handy battery advice, our technical team put everything you need to know in this blog.

Wondering whether to trust the weather forecast?

The forecast can always be hit or miss, especially when we’re already seeing big temperature changes.

By doing all the checks above, come rain or shine, you and your vehicle will be prepared for summer 2023 and beyond.

For any journey you have coming up, our best advice is to check, check, and check again. And make sure you have spare water for those really hot days.

Oh, and maybe a raincoat, just in case.