Before a long drive you only need to check 8 things: air conditioning, tyres, brakes, fluids (coolant and oil), the battery, the lights, the wipers and the cabin filter. You can check some of them yourself in 15 minutes; the rest are worth handing to a workshop — and it’s best to book the check two weeks before you leave, so there’s time for any repair without pressure. Below is every item on the checklist, whether you can do it yourself, and indicative 2026 price ranges.

Why a pre-holiday check pays off

A holiday drive puts your car through extreme conditions: heat, traffic jams and air conditioning at full blast load up the engine, while the extra luggage lengthens your braking distance. A fault that would be trivial in town becomes a ruined holiday on a motorway 600 km from home — and an emergency repair at a price nobody negotiates. A check is a cheap insurance policy for peace of mind.

Checklist: 8 things to do before a holiday drive

1. Air conditioning

In summer this isn’t luxury, it’s safety (heat makes you tired). A service covers topping up the refrigerant, a leak check and anti-bacterial treatment. You can check the temperature at the vents yourself; leave the rest to a workshop. Indicative 2026: recharge/service around 150–350 zł, anti-bacterial treatment from around 80–150 zł.

2. Tyres

The legal minimum tread is 1.6 mm, but for a wet motorway at least 3 mm is recommended. Also check the pressure (it rises with load) and the condition of the sidewalls. You can check tread and pressure yourself.

3. Brakes

Extra luggage means a longer stopping distance. Watch for squealing, vibration and the thickness of the pads and discs. Leave inspection and replacement to a workshop.

4. Coolant

Heat + traffic + air conditioning = a risk of overheating. The level should be between MIN and MAX. You can check the level yourself (on a cold engine).

5. Oil and filters

A long drive means the engine works hard. Check the oil level and the condition of the filters (oil, air, fuel). You can check the level yourself with the dipstick.

6. Battery

Heat wears a battery out just as much as frost. If it’s a few years old and the car struggles to start — have it load-tested.

7. Lights

Check all the lights (dipped, main beam, brake, indicators) — abroad these also mean fines. You can check this yourself in 5 minutes.

8. Wipers and cabin filter

Summer storms can catch you out, and a clogged cabin filter weakens the air conditioning and lets dust in. You can check the blades yourself.

What to do yourself and what to hand over

Do it yourself (15 minutes):

• tyre pressure and tread;

• coolant and oil levels;

• lights and wiper condition.

Worth handing to a workshop:

• air conditioning service;

• brake inspection;

• a load test on the battery.

What a pre-holiday check costs

Prices depend on the city, the make of car and the scope. The ranges above are indicative 2026 market benchmarks — you’ll only know the real cost of your visit once a specific workshop quotes for it. That’s exactly why it’s worth collecting several offers: the same job can differ in price by a factor of two. If you’re wondering how to spot an inflated quote, we have a separate piece on it: how to tell whether a mechanic is cheating you.

How to book a check without overpaying

Instead of calling the first workshop on Google, describe what you need on Helpan (“pre-holiday check + air conditioning service”) and nearby workshops will send in offers — price and date side by side. You pick the best one and set off with peace of mind. New users start with a 100 zł bonus on their first repair.

Frequently asked questions

When should I have my car checked before the holidays?

Ideally two weeks before you leave — that leaves time for any repair without pressure or emergency surcharges.

What matters most before a long drive?

Air conditioning, tyres (at least 3 mm of tread), brakes and the coolant and oil levels — these take the heaviest load in summer.

What does an air conditioning service cost in 2026?

Around 150–350 zł for a recharge/service and from about 80 zł for anti-bacterial treatment, depending on the city and the car. You’ll know the exact price once a workshop quotes.

Do I have to do the pre-holiday check at a workshop?

Some checks (tyres, fluids, lights) you can do yourself. Air conditioning, brakes and the battery are better left to a workshop — they need equipment and know-how.

Plan your check calmly. Describe the scope on Helpan and workshops nearby will bid on price and date. First visit with a 100 zł bonus to start.