With the Met Office predicting the hottest summer for three years and the recession forcing more Britons to holiday in the UK, AA Warranty has developed 10 top tips to keep your vehicle safe in the sun.
According to figures published by the national tourism board Visit Britain, one in five Britons who travelled abroad last year will remain at home this summer, which could find an extra five million people holidaying in UK destinations.
Simon Tennyson, managing director of AA Warranty, explains: “The news that thousands more people will be holidaying in the UK is great for the economy but will really add to the congestion on our roads, with even more people expected to break down as a result.
“With this in mind, we have compiled a list of 10 top tips to make sure your vehicle is in good condition to fare the summer weather and keep your holiday motoring along!”
1. Beat the rush
sitting in traffic jams can cause cars to overheat, especially in the summer, and uses lots of fuel. Plan your route and try to set off early in the morning when it is cooler and the roads are quieter.
2. Time for a break
driving tired is as dangerous as drink driving with 300 lives taken as a result each year. Take plenty of comfort breaks – at least every two and a half hours. A strong coffee and a 20-minute nap is more effective than simply stretching your legs.
3. It’s all in the service
make sure that your vehicle is regularly serviced to ensure there are no underlying problems.
4. Level headed
ensure oil, coolant, windscreen wash and brake fluid levels are correct.
5. Tread carefully
check for any damage to tyres and make sure they are correctly inflated (do this when the tyres are cold), and that they have enough tread. The legal minimum for most cars is 1.6mm but the AA recommends changing them before the tread gets down to 2mm.
6. Keep a cool head
check your cooling fan to ensure it is running properly before a long journey. Set the car heater to cold, run the car to normal temperature and then allow the engine to idle for five to 10 minutes – you should hear the fan cut in automatically. If it doesn''t there may be a fault with the fan temperature sensor or the fan itself.
7. Battery power
check your battery to see that the connections are clean and tight and free from corrosion. Battery problems are the number one cause of breakdowns.
8. Take shade
driving in an overheated car is not only unpleasant but can cause your engine to overheat, causing a breakdown. When not driving, park under cover or in the shade to keep the temperature lower inside the car. Why not make a sunblind for the windscreen with a piece of cardboard?
9. Be prepared
the car is not the only thing that needs to be resourced well before a long trip, make sure you have a fully packed first aid kit with you. Sunburn, insect bites and stings in the summer are commonplace and can deflect your attention from driving if not properly cared for. Carry plenty of drinking water, food, a road atlas, fully charged mobile, sun tan lotion (so you won’t burn if your vehicle breaks down) and games for the kids.
10. Warranty wonders
if disaster does strike make sure you are sufficiently covered with a warrant. Investing in an AA Warranty can often save drivers thousands of pounds each year and can offer roadside assistance as and when you need it.