California summer roads are some of the finest driving terrain on the planet. They’re also some of the most demanding. PCH bakes under the summer sun. The switchbacks above Palm Springs push brakes and tires to the limit. Big Sur’s coastal humidity finds its way into places you’d rather it didn’t. Before you point your Aston Martin at any of it, your car deserves the same preparation you’d give yourself.
The team at Galpin Aston Martin’s Service Center in Van Nuys has put together this checklist for owners planning a summer road trip. These are the items worth verifying before you load up and head out.
Tires: Your Only Contact With the Road
Aston Martin vehicles leave the factory on high-performance summer tires — compounds designed for grip and response, not necessarily longevity under sustained heat. Before a long summer drive, check:
- Tread depth across all four corners (legal minimum is 2/32″, but performance driving warrants more)
- Tire pressure — heat expands air, so check cold pressure in the morning before driving
- Visual inspection for sidewall cracking, which is accelerated by UV exposure and heat cycles
- Spare or inflation kit condition — often overlooked, always needed at the worst possible time
Galpin’s service technicians can assess tire condition and recommend replacements from the manufacturer-approved fitments for your specific model.
Brakes: Non-Negotiable on Mountain Roads
Canyon roads and mountain passes are beautiful. They’re also where brake fade becomes a real concern in under-maintained vehicles. High-performance Aston Martin braking systems — including the available carbon ceramic setup on models like the DBX707 — require attention from technicians who understand them.
- Brake pad thickness on all four corners
- Rotor condition — scoring, warping, and minimum thickness
- Brake fluid condition (moisture absorption degrades performance over time, especially in high-heat use)
If you’re planning repeated mountain descents, have the brake fluid flushed before the trip. It’s a small job that makes a significant difference.
Fluids: The Circulatory System of a Performance Car
Summer heat puts the entire fluid system under stress. Before a road trip, have the following checked:
- Engine coolant level and condition — a roadside overheat is a trip-ending event
- Engine oil level and quality — check for correct grade and change interval proximity
- Power steering and differential fluids, where applicable
- Windshield washer fluid — a minor point until you’re driving into afternoon sun on I-10
Battery and Electrical
Modern Aston Martin models carry significant electrical loads — from adaptive damping systems to infotainment, driver aids, and parking assistance. A battery that’s marginal in spring can fail in summer heat.
Galpin’s service team can load-test your battery and check the charging system in under an hour. It’s one of the most cost-effective checks before any long drive.
Air Conditioning
A working air conditioning system is non-negotiable on a Palm Springs run in July. If your system has been weak, slow to cool, or cycling unusually, have it inspected before the trip. Refrigerant recharge is straightforward; discovering a leak roadside is not.
Suspension and Alignment
Aston Martin’s adaptive suspension systems deliver the precise character of each model — but they require all components to be working correctly. Worn bushings, low damper fluid, or misalignment accumulate over time and become most noticeable on long drives.
If your car has felt different in the past few months — pulling, wandering, or sitting unevenly — have it looked at before committing to a weekend on canyon roads.
Galpin Aston Martin’s service center offers summer inspection packages for owners planning extended drives. Our factory-trained technicians know your car to the component level — the same team that handles warranty work, performance upgrades, and everything in between.
Schedule your service appointment here or visit us in Van Nuys. The road will wait. Your car shouldn’t have to.
