Every summer, higher temperatures cause thousands of breakdowns for the UK's company car drivers – costing businesses both time and money.

According to AA Business Services, a few simple checks could make the difference between making the meeting, or missing out on the deal.

· Check that brake, clutch and power steering fluids, oil, and coolant levels are up to the mark (refer to the handbook if in any doubt).

Aggravated by extreme summer temperatures, failure to keep coolant levels topped up, leaking coolant hoses and broken electric cooling fans can all result in overheating and temperatures fierce enough to cause severe and expensive damage.

· Check and adjust tyre pressures - increasing them for heavy loads if necessary.

The correct pressures will be given in the car's handbook.

High summer temperatures heat up tyres and aggravate any existing damage to the rubber.

Under-inflation compounds this, causing friction and added heat which can prove too much for weak spots, causing punctures and blow-outs.

· Caravans laid up for the winter should also have their tyres checked for cracks and any damaged tyres renewed before use.

· If a service is due, get it done before you go on holiday – if something goes wrong, it could prove more expensive, as you have less room in which to negotiate on price.

· Clean the windscreen, windows and mirrors.

Fill the windscreen-washer bottle using a screenwash additive to help clear traffic film and dead insects.

Hayfever sufferers should also ensure they are prepared for summer driving. Tips include:

· Taking medication which doesn't cause drowsiness,

· Keeping a box of tissues on or near the dashboard for easy access

· Getting someone else to drive if you are having a particularly bad hayfever day.

Adam Ashmore, the AA's Patrol of the Year, comments:

"70 per cent of drivers risk unnecessary breakdowns due to a lack of simple maintenance checks, so we hope that by offering motorists some handy hints on how they can look after their vehicles they can avoid a breakdown and have an enjoyable summer."

The AA has also launched a 'podcast' on its website at http://www.theAApodcasts.com with clips featuring experienced AA patrols demonstrating simple car care procedures.