A list of things for a summer road trip: festivals and hidden sources of stress under your car

Summer in Wiltshire is festival season, offering unforgettable experiences, new acquaintances and music under the open sky. Music festivals that create the atmosphere of a true global celebration, chamber festivals with theatrical performances and master classes held in picturesque gardens, art festivals, food festivals and many other family entertainment and events take place at various venues across Wiltshire.

Thousands of families drive to these events, sometimes travelling 200 km on the county's side roads. Imagine: it's Friday, lunchtime, it's hot, and your car is stuck in traffic on the A303 on the way to Stonehenge. In the boot, there is badminton, tents, a folding table, a refrigerator and a supply of water — all of which weigh down on the rear axle of the car. It is on days like these, when the heat reaches +30°C, that the DVSA records a record number of breakdowns on the roads. Why does the number of car breakdowns increase in summer, and what can you check at home in 20 minutes to ensure your trip doesn't end with a call to a tow truck?

Why summer ‘breaks’ equipment

According to the RAC media centre, the number of calls for assistance due to car problems increases by 20% during the summer months. A significant proportion of all summer breakdowns are caused by engine overheating, wheel and tyre problems, and suspension failures. 

Long journeys at high speeds in hot weather put extra strain on the engine, cooling system and brakes, which can lead to overheating and malfunctions.

High asphalt temperatures cause the air in tyres to expand, increasing internal pressure and the likelihood of punctures or blowouts.

In addition, hot asphalt combined with a loaded car creates double compression of the springs. This not only increases the load on the suspension, but also significantly increases the risk of microcracks in the rubber components. The uneven county roads often encountered on the way to festivals, combined with 30-degree heat, destroy rubber bumpers, shock absorbers and silent blocks. 

Six ‘summer’ stress points

To avoid unpleasant surprises on the road, pay special attention to the six summer stress points of your car, listed in the following table:

Based on the data in the table, drivers should perform a few quick checks to reduce the risk of breakdowns during the summer: these include measuring tyre pressure and tread depth, inspecting the brake fluid, checking for damage to rear coil springs and the AC drive belt, and verifying the operation of cooling fans. It's also important to distribute weight evenly in the boot. Most of these tasks take just 2–5 minutes and help ensure better grip, more effective braking, improved comfort, and lower chances of suspension or engine failures.

Some cars (BMW 3 Series, Kia Cerato II, Vauxhall Astra, etc.) may experience suspension problems, although these problems are not widespread (the Vauxhall, for example, is more prone to shock absorber wear). 

However, if the car is heavily loaded during a trip, combined with uneven road surfaces, this can lead to premature suspension failure. Replacing a cracked spring, for example, on a Vauxhall Astra restores ground clearance and reduces the risk of overload on summer potholes.

AUTODOC expert warns: ‘In severe cases, the broken spring could damage other car suspension components or puncture a tyre, increasing the risk of an accident. It is therefore advised to get the car fixed before you continue driving.’  

Checking the springs 

You can check the condition of the springs yourself by following these simple steps:

• Raise the rear of the car with a jack and place stands under the car for added safety. 
• Use a brush to clean the spring coils of dirt, dust and any debris. This will allow you to see its surface better.
• Carefully inspect the lacquered surface of the spring. Even the smallest cracks are an indication that it needs to be replaced.
• Lower the car to the ground. Measure the distance from the centre of the wheel arch to the centre of the wheel (or from the lower edge of the wing to the ground) on both sides. A significant difference in height on the left/right may indicate that one of the springs has sagged.

Preparing your car for a summer trip is not a chore, but a guarantee of your safety and comfort. Investing 20 minutes in a preliminary inspection can save you hours of stress, significant repair costs and, most importantly, ensure a safe and enjoyable time at the Wiltshire festivals.

Information about coil spring Vauxhall Astra - buycarparts.co.uk

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