With the temperatures getting warmer, more and more people are taking holidays in the UK. There’s plenty to explore and like many other brits this year, it allows you to take days out to places across the country such as your local beach or a theme park.
The main way most people will travel across the UK this summer will be in their car as it’s very convenient, but long journeys and warm weather can be a nightmare for your car if you haven’t prepared for it in advance. Even the smallest of things can cause huge issues and put a dampener on the trip before it has begun, but don’t despair as you can prevent this from happening by following the 6 steps below.
Follow our checklist below before you head off to ensure your car is fully prepared:
1) Check your Tyres
Use a reliable tyre gauge to check the pressure of your tyres and fill with air if they are low. Nearly all petrol stations have air pumps where you can check the PSI and fill up with air for a minimal fee. You can find details of your cars PSI in the owner’s manual and filling up is a quick, straightforward process.
2) Check your Oil & Coolant Levels
Having the right amount of oil and coolant is essential, especially when your car is working extra hard when the temperature is hot. You can check the oil by pulling out the dipstick, use a rag or paper towel to wipe the end of the dipstick clean. Put the dipstick back in all the way and pull it out again, and this time you will be able to see how much oil you have. Engine oil should be changed depending on the mileage and time between the last change and you need to regular check your oil to reduce the risk of the engine breaking down and ceasing.
3) Check your lights
Turn on all your lights and take a walk around the car and ensure that none are out. You can buy replacement bulbs from stores such as Halfords or some petrol stations may stock your bulb type. Ensure that you replace the bulb with the same type and rating, and don’t forget to check your brake lights – you can either get someone to press the brakes while you check or you can park near a glass window where you can see in the reflection.
4) Put a Map in the Car
A lot of us rely on GPS and navigation systems, but if you are going somewhere new don’t just assume you will have sufficient signal to get you around. Take a map or a route planner as a backup as they can come in very handy if you become lost.
5) Have an Emergency Kit
Make sure you have some basic essentials in your car in case you get stranded, stuck in traffic or there are no facilities on route. Keep things like a basic first aid kit, water, food and clothes for warmth.
6) Fill your Car with Fuel
This may seem like the most obvious one but ensure you have enough fuel to take you beyond where you need to go. You may not see a petrol station for a while and if you do it may not be open or functional, so make sure you fill up when you can.
These rules don’t just apply for when you are going on holiday, so remember to carry out the above checks before going on any long journey, no matter the weather.
What happens if you do breakdown?
First thing is to not panic because as long as you’re in a safe position, away from traffic you will soon be on your way home. We offer breakdown services across three counties, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk so can help you get back home safely, in the shortest amount of time. We also offer a complimentary drop off service to both your local garage (if desired) and also your home to ensure your car can get fixed without any further inconvenience.
A sensible step to take before you leave for a big trip is to store our number in your phone (07913204238), this means if anything does cause your car to become broken or non-roadworthy then you can give us a call to cut down time on the side of the road.
