Breakdown company advises drivers make three 'simple checks' before summer road trips
Drivers have been offered several tips that can help them prevent breaking down at the side of the road during long trips this summer.
The vehicle breakdown service Green Flag has shared several tips that can help motorists keep their car running smoothly over the summer months.
With many families travelling longer distances in their cars, the summer months are generally some of the worst for breakdowns, with nearly 28,000 drivers stranded at the roadside during August 2023 alone.
Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, suggested that the majority of breakdowns that occur during summer road trips can easily be prevented.
She explained: "Summer often sees people taking to major motorways and A roads as they head off on summer holidays and weekend breaks, which is likely why we see so many breakdowns on these roads over the summer months.
"In many cases, a few simple checks that can be carried out at home before setting out, or at a garage when filling up, could prevent a disruptive start to your summer holiday journey."
One way in which drivers can avoid breakdowns from ruining their journey is by checking their tyres are filled with the correct amount of pressure.
Whilst keeping tyres inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels, often found in the owner's handbook, has several benefits, it can primarily prevent increased wear and a reduction in fuel economy.
Perhaps more seriously, properly inflated tyres have a much lower risk of causing blowouts, in which the pressure rises in temperature, causing the tyre to explode.
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Green Flag also recommended that drivers should always check the amount of engine oil in their vehicle before setting off on their trip.
The company advised that drivers check the oil at least once per month by removing the dipstick and seeing if the oil level is within the two markings.
Drivers who let the oil level in their engine fall risk parts not being effectively lubricated, which can quickly cause component damage that may cost a fortune to repair.
Finally, the breakdown service stated that motorists can prevent costly repairs by looking at the amount of coolant under the bonnet.
Much like oil, having a good amount of coolant is vital for a vehicle to run smoothly, and can cause the engine to overheat and get damaged if an insufficient amount is in the reservoir.
Drivers should top up the coolant reservoir so the liquid reaches the recommended level, indicated on the reservoir under the bonnet and avoid overfilling, which can also lead to serious problems.
