When the British summer turns up the heat, it’s not just your sunglasses and SPF you need to think about — your car needs looking after too. From traffic jams on the M25 to family staycations in Cornwall, summer driving puts extra pressure on your vehicle.
And if you’re leasing your car, keeping it well-maintained isn’t just good practice — it’s your responsibility. So let’s keep things simple. Here’s what every driver needs to know about driving in a heatwave, why maintenance matters, and how leasing a new car could actually save you time, money, and stress.
Why Hot Weather Can Be Tough on Your Car
Even in the UK, where heatwaves are occasional but intense, warm weather can quietly impact your vehicle’s performance. Engine cooling systems, tyre pressure, batteries and air con all take a hit — especially in older models.
If you’re still driving a car that struggles with hot weather, now could be the perfect time to upgrade. Browse our in-stock leasing deals to get a newer, better-equipped vehicle with everything you need for summer comfort.
Your Lease Car = Your Responsibility
When you lease a vehicle, you agree to return it in good condition. That includes servicing it at regular intervals and making sure it’s safe to drive — even during extreme weather.
To make things easier, we offer optional maintenance packages that cover servicing, tyre replacement and breakdown support. You’ll pay a fixed monthly fee and avoid surprise costs — a simple way to budget with peace of mind.
Why Older Cars Struggle in the Heat
If your current car is a few years old, you’ve probably noticed it doesn’t handle hot weather as well as it used to. The air con may be weaker, engine cooling less efficient, and internal systems under more strain.
Switching to a new model via a personal lease or business lease can give you access to better in-car tech, energy-efficient engines, and more reliable air conditioning — all while keeping your monthly payments predictable.
6 Simple Tips for Hot Weather Driving
1. Check Your Coolant
Your engine gets hotter in summer, and the coolant system is your first line of defence. If coolant levels are low, overheating becomes a serious risk.
Tip: Check coolant regularly, especially before long journeys.
2. Keep Tyre Pressures in Check
Hot air expands, and so does the air inside your tyres. Overinflated tyres affect grip and increase the risk of a blowout.
Tip: Always check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, and stick to your car’s manufacturer-recommended levels.
3. Don’t Forget the Battery
High temperatures can damage older batteries. If yours is sluggish, it’s time for a check-up.
Tip: If your car is over three years old and your lease doesn’t include maintenance, consider adding a maintenance package now to cover future checks.
4. Treat Your Air Con Like Safety Equipment
Struggling to stay cool in stop-start traffic? You’re more likely to get fatigued or distracted without functioning air conditioning.
Tip: Air con not working properly? It might just need a re-gas — or, if you’re driving an older car, it could be time for a new lease with the latest comfort features. Check out affordable leasing deals from just £140/month.
5. Plan for Delays
Summer traffic, festival season and busy weekends make breakdowns or delays more likely. Be prepared.
Tip: Keep water, chargers and snacks in the car — and don’t leave anything sensitive in the heat.
6. Schedule Your Next Service
If you’re halfway through your lease, now’s a good time for a seasonal check-up. Booking in that service could prevent a breakdown down the line — and help you avoid end-of-contract charges for poor maintenance.
Maintenance: Covered or Not?
If you’re not sure whether your lease includes servicing and maintenance, our team is here to help. Adding maintenance to your lease is a simple way to stay road-ready in summer — no surprise bills or missed service deadlines.
See what’s included with our maintenance packages and speak to us if you’d like to upgrade your current plan.
What About Electric Cars in a Heatwave?
EVs are an increasingly popular choice for business and personal leasing, and for good reason — lower running costs, zero emissions, and minimal maintenance. But just like petrol and diesel cars, electric vehicles have their own quirks in hot weather.
One common concern is reduced battery efficiency in high temperatures. While EVs generally handle the heat well, extended exposure can cause:
- Faster battery drain, especially if you’re using air conditioning heavily or driving in stop-start traffic.
- Slower charging times if the battery management system is protecting against overheating.
- Lower range estimates, as hot weather impacts energy use and regenerative braking.
How to manage EV battery performance in hot weather:
- Pre-condition the cabin using your app while the vehicle is still plugged in.
- Park in the shade where possible to reduce heat soak.
- Avoid charging immediately after long drives – let the battery cool first.
- Stick to slower overnight charges at home to reduce heat stress.
- Keep your software up to date, as newer firmware can improve thermal management.
If you’re considering leasing an EV, it’s worth knowing that most models are designed with smart battery management systems. Brands like Nissan, Tesla, and Volkswagen include features to protect your battery in hot and cold conditions.
Looking for a new electric car that can handle UK summers with ease? Explore our electric vehicle leasing offers — or speak to our team about the best EVs for your driving style. We’ll make switching simple.
Thinking About an Upgrade?
If your car isn’t keeping up with your lifestyle (or the weather), now’s the perfect time to make a switch. At Car Leasing Made Simple, we’ve got a wide selection of new vehicles available to lease — including air-con-equipped SUVs, hybrids and EVs that handle heat with ease.
And if you’re not ready for a new car just yet, we also offer used car leasing — a cost-effective way to upgrade without buying brand-new.
Stay Cool, Drive Smart
Summer driving doesn’t have to mean sweaty commutes or worrying about breakdowns. With the right preparation, regular servicing and access to newer, better-equipped vehicles, you’ll be ready for whatever the British summer throws at you. Need help checking if your lease includes maintenance? Want advice on upgrading to a vehicle that handles the heat better? Our team is here to help. Just visit our website or get in touch — and we’ll keep things simple.