Why Servicing Your Car Before the NZ Summer Holidays Is More Important Than Ever

As the warmer weather rolls in and Kiwis start planning their summer road trips, beach missions, and family getaways, there’s one item that often gets left off the checklist: getting your car serviced before the heat arrives.

Summer in New Zealand can be brutally hot—especially on long drives, steep roads, and winding coastal highways. Those temperatures put extra strain on your engine, fluids, tyres, and electrical systems. A quick pre-summer service is not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s the best way to keep your family safe, avoid roadside dramas, and ensure your holiday starts (and ends!) exactly how you planned.

At McMahon Automotive, we see the same patterns every summer. Certain parts fail more often in the heat, while others give up mid-road trip simply because the vehicle wasn’t serviced in time.

Below are the top issues we see every year, and how you can avoid them.

Top 5 Things Most Likely to Fail When the Summer Heat Arrives (If Not Maintained)

1. Cooling System (Radiator, Hoses, & Thermostat)

Hot weather is the number one enemy of your car’s cooling system. If the coolant is old or low, hoses are cracked, or your radiator is partially blocked, your engine can overheat within minutes.

2. Battery

High temperatures speed up internal corrosion and can cause batteries to fail with no warning. A weak battery that survived winter may not survive summer.

3. Engine Oil & Fluids

Heat thins out oil and transmission fluid. If they’re old or low, your engine and gearbox face extra wear — or catastrophic failure.

4. Air Conditioning System

Your A/C works much harder in summer. Low refrigerant, dirty cabin filters, or worn compressors can lead to A/C failure right when you need it most.

5. Tyres

Hot roads increase tyre pressure and magnify existing problems like uneven wear, low tread, or cracks. Blowouts are far more common in summer.

Top 5 Things That Usually Fail on Summer Road Trips (If You Don’t Service Your Car First)

1. Overheating Engine

We see roadside overheating every single year. Often it starts with something small: a leaking hose, old coolant, or a failing water pump. All avoidable with a pre-trip inspection.

2. Alternator Failure

Long drives, heavy electrical load (A/C, charging devices, lights), and heat can push an already weak alternator to its breaking point.

3. Tyre Blowouts or Punctures

Rough surfaces, sharp gravel, and under-inflated tyres are a recipe for disaster on summer holidays — particularly on long motorway stretches.

4. Brake Problems

Heat affects braking performance. Old brake fluid boils easier, and worn pads heat up faster, leading to reduced stopping power or complete brake fade.

5. Fan Belts & Serpentine Belts Snapping

Belts become brittle with heat. A snapped belt can instantly disable your power steering, A/C, and water pump — leaving you stranded.

Why a Pre-Summer Service Matters

A proper service does more than just change your oil — it checks all the systems that suffer most in summer:

• Cooling system pressure test

• Battery health & charging system

• Fluid quality (oil, coolant, brake, transmission)

• Tyre condition, rotation, tread depth & pressure

• Brake performance

• Belts, hoses & filters

• Air-con system & cabin filter

• Safety checks for long-distance driving

Catching small issues early can save you thousands in repairs and hours of stress on the roadside.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Summer

The summer holidays are the busiest time on Kiwi roads — and the busiest time in workshops. Getting your car checked before the rush means:

✔ Better safety for your whānau

✔ A cooler, more comfortable drive

✔ Improved fuel economy

✔ Fewer surprises on the way to the beach

✔ Lower repair costs in the long run

If your car hasn’t been serviced recently or you’re planning a long drive, now is the perfect time to book in.

Book Your Pre-Summer Service With McMahon Automotive

Beat the heat — and the holiday rush.

Let our qualified team make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever the kiwi summer throws at it.

📞 Give us a call - 021 613 165

🌐 Book online here

Your summer adventure starts with a reliable car — and we’re here to keep you on the road.