Bank holidays are a busy time when thousands of motorists traditionally take to the road to enjoy a long weekend away.
The Motor Ombudsman, the automotive dispute resolution provider, has some guidance to help keep your car in royal condition for the journey ahead.
Fluids are a lifeline
Fluids and lubricants lie at the heart of a vehicle to keep it functioning correctly. Therefore, take the time to check that oil, as well as the washer and air conditioning fluids, are all topped up to the levels specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
It’s time for a clean, inside and out
If you haven’t cleaned your car for a while, or the kids and pets have made a mess – why not get out in the sun and give it a home wash and vac.
Lighting up the way ahead
Keeping all front and rear lights clean, and in good working order, is essential for them to be fully effective, especially when travelling in the dark or when visibility is poor.
Fuel for thought…
Do not fill the fuel tank completely, especially on hot days. As with most liquids, fuel will expand, and this could lead to it leaking out of the filler neck of the tank or breather. With prices at the pump on the rise, you can take a look at online comparison sites as to where the cheapest unleaded, diesel or LPG can be found within a chosen area.
Also, try not to use the air conditioning for the whole duration or your journey, and only turn it on once all doors and windows are closed. Furthermore, it’s best to turn it off once the air conditioning has cooled the inside of the car to reduce fuel consumption.
Tyres needn’t be tired
Tyres, are a critical part of road safety. As there’s only a small contact patch separating your car from the tarmac, it’s important that they are maintained to the correct standard and do not become worn beyond the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Inserting a 20p coin into the tread of the rubber is a quick and easy test to determine whether the depth is above the required limit. If the outer band of the piece cannot be seen when it’s inserted, then the tread is sufficient. Furthermore, look out for splits or bulges, as any high temperatures can worsen any existing damage to the rubber.
It is recommended that tyre pressure, including that of the spare if there is one, is checked at regular intervals.
Check your route
With street parties taking place across the country, there may be road closures affecting your journey and parking options. Make sure you check ahead with any party hosts to identify any potential issues, and leave plenty of time in case the roads are busy.
Make a point to charge ahead
Electric and plug-in hybrid cars are becoming increasingly commonplace, and therefore, if you drive one of these models, it’s important that know where the charging points are along your route, whether in the UK or on the continent. Plan how many miles you are looking to cover, what the distance is between charging areas, and if your accommodation has points available so that you can replenish the battery overnight if needed.
Equally as essential is the health of your battery as it powers the car’s electronic systems. If it’s apparent that your vehicle is proving difficult to start, and the battery is more than five years old, you should look at getting it replaced, as a flat battery is one of the main causes of breaking down. This will help to avoid any unnecessary interruptions to journeys during the holiday period.
Document what you have
Before you set off, make sure that all paperwork is up to date, to stay on the right side of the law. This includes your breakdown (rescue) and insurance policies, car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) and MOT certificate.
Charges can take their toll
With coin operated barriers fast disappearing from UK roads, make sure that you visit the relevant websites to settle the fee if you plan to pass through any toll booths or congestion charge zones. Similarly, when travelling abroad, make sure that you have loose change or a credit card to hand before setting off.
Need a garage for checks or repairs?
If you need to find a garage to check the condition of your car before going away on a bank holiday, or are looking to have any repairs done, then you can use our online Garage Finder to find your local Motor Ombudsman-accredited business quickly and easily.
