How to prepare your car for spring and summer

April 29, 2025

Close up of happy dog hanging out of a car window

With the warm weather settling in and the summer break approaching, it's important to prepare your car to ensure efficiency, comfort, and safety.

If you will be driving for long hours, road-tripping with your family, or if it's a particularly hot day, check your vehicle for the following nine important details. You won't regret it, and it could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Join us for National Car Care Month — if you have any questions, we're only a phone call away.

Check your brakes

Before spring and summer kick into gear, check your brakes. Note any squeaking, grinding, wear and tear, or reduced performance. Your vehicle may also issue a warning light if the brakes are worn down.

We offer free brake checks at our Ayr car garage, so call us, and we'll take a look before providing you with a quote if they need repairing.

Pothole damage

Winter roads take a toll on cars. April is a great time to check your tyres, wheel alignment, and suspension to make sure the car is road-trip-ready. If your tyres need to be replaced, we have a range of tyres to suit your preferences, car type, and your budget.

We supply tyres from world-renowned manufacturers, including Davanti, Kumho, Uniroyal, and Michelin, as well as regular, winter, and all-season tyres. Read about our 3-step process for choosing tyres here.

person filling up their car tyres with air

Tyre pressure

We all love the warmer weather, but it can cause tyre pressure to fluctuate. Keep your tyres at the correct level for better fuel efficiency, safety on the road, and improved tyre life.

Battery warning light illuminating red on a car dashboard

Battery health

Cold weather weakens car batteries, so yours may be struggling as summer approaches. If your battery looks corroded, is older than three years, or your car is struggling to start, we’ll take a look at it for you.

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If your battery has recently been restarted, be sure to go for a 30-minute drive to recharge it properly.

Book your MOT

Car owners, don't forget about your MOT. Nothing ruins a road trip quite like realising your MOT is due halfway down the motorway. You can book your MOT for up to one month (minus a day) before your current expiration date without changing your renewal date for next year.

Not sure when your MOT is due? Click this link.

Get your car serviced

If your car is experiencing issues, displaying warning lights on the dashboard (such as 'check engine oil'), or is due for service, get it sorted before summer hits. If you aren’t sure when your car last had a service, and it doesn’t display warning lights, look out for issues like strange noises, leaking water, frequent stalling, loss of power, unusual vibrations, or changes to how your brakes work.

We offer oil, interim, and full services as part of your service routine. We will always help guide you and let you know which service your car needs based on its service history and the issues it is experiencing.

For car repairs in Ayr, Andrew Dodds is happy to help. Our team of expert mechanics offers invaluable advice and quality service to keep your car running smoothly and prevent vehicle breakdowns.

AC dial on car showing the AC is on maximum

Fresh aircon

As temperatures rise, you’ll want your air conditioning to work well so that you can enjoy a comfortable drive. If you notice weak airflow, warm air, strange smells, or foggy windows, it might be time for an AC recharge. An AC recharge helps with optimal performance and prevents strain on the system. Don’t wait for a heatwave to get it recharged—check your AC now.

Check coolant levels

April is a good time to check your coolant level. If it's below the guide mark, top it up. You should also change the coolant if it's rusted or discoloured. Your owner's manual will guide you on how often your coolant should be drained and changed altogether.

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Check your coolant level all year round, but especially in the winter, as this is essential for preventing engine components from freezing.

a bag of supplies to keep in your car incase of a breakdown

Stock the boot

For Car Care Awareness Month, we want to stress the importance of having an emergency kit in your car. Keep a tyre repair kit, jump leads, a torch, basic tools, non-perishable food, water, a phone charger, and blankets in case of a breakdown.

Car Care Month preparations

As part of your regular vehicle maintenance, we recommend preparing your car for the new seasons. As spring and summer approaches (and hopefully some warm weather), it's important to check your vehicle.

Essential car checks include brakes, tyre pressure, battery health, and coolant levels, as well as booking in for MOTs or services if necessary. If you have any worries or questions about your car maintenance, contact our car garage in Ayr on 01292 299 023. Safe driving!

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Mother’s Day giveaway with Andrew Dodds Autocare

By Alan Robertson • March 13, 2025

Andrew Dodds Autocare are celebrating all the lovely mums. Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate all the work mothers do and all the love they give. She’s fuelled your life, so it’s now time to show her some love. Enter our prize draw to give her a full tank of happiness with a £50 voucher for La Dragon , a gorgeous Chinese restaurant and Champagne bar located in the heart of Kilmarnock. Head to our Facebook or Instagram pages to enter the competition. All you need to do is follow us, nominate a mother by tagging her in the comments, and share the post. You can enter times as you like. The voucher can be used for a Mother’s Day lunch, but it will be valid for 12 months, so the mum can choose a time and date that suits her best. The giveaway closes at midnight on March 26, and the winner will be randomly selected on March 27. Good luck to everyone entering.