Summer Car Maintenance Tips: Get Your SEAT Ready for Driving in Bristol
Summer in Somerset means sunshine, scenic drives, beach days, and longer journeys. Whether you’re heading to the coast in Weston-super-Mare, exploring Cheddar Gorge, or commuting from Nailsea to Bristol, keeping your SEAT in top condition is essential.
At Holders of Congresbury, your trusted SEAT dealership for drivers across Clevedon, Yatton, Portishead, and Burnham-on-Sea, we want to help you avoid roadside stress with these easy summer maintenance tips.
1. 🌡️ Check Your Air Conditioning System
With warmer days ahead, you’ll want your A/C system working at full capacity. Over time, refrigerant can deplete, and filters may clog.
✅ Run your A/C weekly to keep it fresh
✅ If it's not cooling efficiently, book an air con service
✅ Ask about our SEAT air con re-gas and antibacterial clean
Tip: If you notice a musty smell or poor airflow, stop by our Congresbury workshop before your next trip to Burnham-on-Sea or Clevedon seafront.
2. 🚗 Inspect Tyres for Heat Wear
Hot tarmac can accelerate tyre wear — especially if pressures are incorrect. This affects grip, braking distance, and fuel economy, especially on long drives from Yatton to Bristol or Clevedon to Weston-super-Mare.
✔ Check for visible cracks, bulges or uneven wear
✔ Top up to manufacturer-recommended PSI
✔ Don’t forget the spare!
Need help? We offer free tyre checks for local SEAT owners — just pop in.
3. 💧Top Up Fluids (Coolant, Oil, Screenwash)
Hot engines and low fluid levels don’t mix well in summer. Check:
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Coolant/antifreeze – vital for engine temperature control
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Oil – your engine’s lifeline, especially on hilly routes around Cheddar
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Screenwash – don’t get caught out on glare-filled roads
If you’re unsure, visit our service team at Holders of Congresbury — we’ll happily check levels and top them up while you wait.
4. 🔋 Test Your Battery
Summer heat can be just as harsh on batteries as winter cold — especially after stop-start journeys in Portishead or Nailsea traffic.
⚠️ Warning signs:
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Engine slow to turn over
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Dimming headlights or interior lights
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Clicking sound when starting
We offer battery health checks and replacement options for all SEAT models.
5. 🧽 Give Your SEAT a Summer Clean (Inside & Out)
Protect your paintwork from UV rays and enjoy a fresh interior for your summer road trips. A regular clean helps preserve resale value — and let’s be honest, it just feels better.
🧼 Clean salt and pollen from bodywork and alloys
🧴 Use dashboard conditioner to protect against sun cracking
🚿 Consider a professional valet for a showroom shine
Want to DIY? We stock a range of SEAT-approved car care kits in our parts shop.
Bonus Tip: Pack a Summer Emergency Kit
Stay safe during weekend drives to Cheddar Gorge or Brean Down with these essentials:
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Phone charger
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First aid kit
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Water and snacks
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Warning triangle
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High-vis vest and tyre inflator
It’s better to have it and not need it than the other way round!
Book a Summer Health Check at Holders of Congresbury
A 30-minute seasonal health check from Holders of Congresbury gives you peace of mind before summer holidays or coastal drives from Clevedon to Burnham.
🔧 We inspect tyres, brakes, lights, fluids, battery, and more
🧊 Includes air con performance check
💰 Affordable fixed pricing
🕒 Walk-ins welcome, or pre-book online
👉 Give us a call to arrange your visit.
Serving Drivers Across Somerset
From Weston-super-Mare to Portishead, Bristol to Cheddar, our team supports drivers in:
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Clevedon
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Nailsea
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Yatton
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Burnham-on-Sea
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Winscombe
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Blagdon and beyond
No matter where you’re driving this summer, Holders of Congresbury has your SEAT covered.