With temperatures soaring, restrictions easing and schools out for summer, many of the Great British population are planning a road trip of some kind. Whether you are going to a favourite holiday haunt or embarking on an adventure into the unknown, it is wise to do a few simple checks to make sure that your vehicle is in top shape.
Sitting in traffic on the motorway after a car has broken down is bad enough; being the person that has caused miles of tailbacks and hours of delays is truly mortifying (not to mention potentially expensive).
Regardless of whether you have had a service recently, here are a few things to bear in mind.
First up is the most obvious check: fuel. It may seem too obvious to mention, but with the roads busier than ever, it is worth making sure that you have more than you think you will need to accommodate potential traffic jams and to prevent you having to stop at a service station, which will probably be very busy and, inevitably, more expensive than your local fuel station.
Tyres are the next on your check list. Check the pressure and make sure they are within the limit recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If it is hot or if you have driven a few miles to get to the garage, bear in mind that the psi may read a little higher than when the tyres are cold, or the temperature is lower. While you’re at it, check the tread; it should be no less than 1.6mm deep.
Coolant is especially important in warmer temperatures where you may find yourself sitting in traffic for a while. Your coolant shouldn’t need to be topped up, but check it just in case and, if it seems low, consult your handbook to see what mix you need. Not sure on how to check your coolant? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for next week’s instalment.
Electrics are a vital part of your vehicle, and we often overlook them. It is especially important to check your electrics if you are considering trying to avoid the traffic with a night-time journey as, at during the summer, we seldom have to drive in the dark. This is a two-person job, with one person testing each light and the second checking that they all work. Pop the bonnet open and check the battery, too. If you notice that your engine is slow to start, your battery may need replacing. Take it to your local garage and get it checked out; it will be much easier (and less expensive, not to mention embarrassing) to get your battery replaced by your local garage than by the roadside recovery team.
These checks may only take a few minutes, but they could save you a considerable amount of time and money. If you are in any doubt at all, get in touch with your local garage and see if they can give your vehicle a quick check over before you get on the road.