Essential car maintenance before a holiday: air con regas, tyres & MOT

When you plan a holiday, it often involves maps, passports, and packing lists. However, one area people frequently neglect until the last minute is essential car maintenance. It’s very important to make sure your car is ready for a long trip before you set off. Three key areas deserve attention before you travel: air con regas, tyres, and your MOT certificate. These checks aren’t exactly great fun, but they can have a huge impact on your safety and comfort on the road.

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Why air con regas is necessary before a trip

In the heat of summer (or even in cooler weather conditions), a car’s air conditioning system isn’t just a luxury — it helps the driver stay focused, keeps passengers comfortable, and maintains safety for everyone.

The system’s refrigerant may leak slowly and over time without the owner noticing, thus the cooling efficiency is reduced. It’s a good idea to schedule an air con regas before your holiday to ensure the best performance. A complete regas can facilitate the system in maintaining the temperature of the cabin and in preventing the system from overworking, which may lead to a breakdown in hot weather.

From family cars to business vehicles, Dexel Tyre & Auto Centre provides trusted air con regas services. Their technicians typically decide whether a simple top-up will be enough or whether they will have to do additional work (e.g. fix leaks in hoses or repair the compressor). Remember that a pressure test always comes with a service, as this is what shows if a system is really holding charge.

Regassing is usually recommended every 18–24 months, depending on how frequently the system is used. On a long holiday, you’ll want an efficient cooling system – especially when driving through hot areas or stuck in traffic.

The tyres on your vehicle are the only parts that are in direct contact with the surface of the road. Before a vacation:

• Measure tread depth – in the UK, the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre; however, for better grip on wet roads, you should aim for 3 mm or more.
• Look for damage – if there are bulges, splits, or small things sticking in the area of the tyre, you should take care of it at once.
• Check pressures – a tyre that is under-inflated will wear out very fast and will heat up; on the other hand, an overinflated tyre will lose grip and comfort. Set the pressures according to the load (luggage, passengers) and check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Consider your spare wheel or repair kit – make sure it’s usable and that you have the tools, jack, and know-how to change a wheel if needed.

Deficient tyres reduce handling performance, lengthen your braking distances, and increase the possibility of a blowout – definitely not the kind of holiday experience you’d want.

MOT & general mechanical check

The MOT test demonstrates that a vehicle complies with specified safety and environmental requirements. Before you go:

• Book your MOT well before your departure date so you have time to fix any issues..
• Do not forget to check the fluid levels in the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Also, power steering fluid and windscreen washer fluid are to be checked.
• Check the lights and indicators. Make sure that the headlamps, brake lights, indicators, and fog lamps are working properly.
• Check belts and hoses for any signs of cracking, fraying, or leaking and if you find any, have them checked by a professional.
• You should also check your battery, especially as cold starts can be problematic for older ones. If your battery is old, it’s best to replace it before a long trip.

A successful MOT test is only a starting point. A car isn’t completely trouble-free just because it has passed its MOT.

Putting it all together

Here’s a simple maintenance checklist to follow before your holiday::

• If possible, combine your general service with an air con regas and book early.
• Next, check and top up tyre pressures while inspecting the tread and overall condition (including the spare).
• Book your MOT if it’s due, or renew it a few weeks before your trip, preferably a few weeks before the departure day.
• Repair or replace any fluids, lights, belts, hoses, or the battery if needed.
• Make sure you have all the roadside essentials you might need, such as a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, a tyre repair kit, and jump leads.

You’ll make your journey much safer by prioritising air con regas, tyre checks, and your MOT before setting off. Your holiday shouldn’t be interrupted by emergency repairs – it should be filled with enjoyment. By taking these steps, you can travel with confidence, knowing your vehicle is ready to handle the heat, distance, and demands of your trip.