Experts are warning that a few simple checks before leaving home could help drivers avoid unnecessary breakdowns and keep families safe on some of the busiest roads of the year.
While most motorists spend days planning routes, booking accommodation and packing the car, vehicle experts say many overlook the one thing that has the biggest influence on whether they reach their destination without incident: making sure their car is properly prepared for the journey ahead.
Unlike the school run or the daily commute, summer holiday journeys often involve several hours of motorway driving, high outside temperatures, heavy luggage, additional passengers and long periods of stop-start traffic. Together, these conditions place significantly more strain on a vehicle, increasing the likelihood of overheating, tyre problems and preventable mechanical failures if routine checks have been neglected.
Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, says many of the breakdowns seen during the summer could be avoided with just a few minutes of preparation before leaving home.
“A lot of people think that if their car is able to get them to work every day without any problems, that it will also be able to handle their journey to their summer holiday destination too. In reality, a longer summer road trip is actually one of the biggest tests you can put your car through. Not only do you potentially have more people on board, but you are also likely to have a boot full of luggage, warmer temperatures, and often very long hours of motorway driving or sitting in standstill traffic.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a mechanic to spot potential problems for you and your family. If you spend just ten minutes checking your car before you leave, it can make all the difference to your journey. It allows you to spot the small issues that could potentially turn into bigger issues on the way to your destination and means you’re far more likely to spend the first day of your holiday relaxing rather than waiting for roadside assistance.”
1. Check your tyre pressures for the weight you’re carrying, not the journey you made yesterday
One of the biggest mistakes motorists make before heading away is assuming their normal tyre pressures are still suitable once the car has been filled with passengers, luggage, and everything else needed for a family holiday.
Vehicle manufacturers often recommend different tyre pressures depending on how heavily the vehicle is loaded, yet many drivers never adjust them. Underinflated tyres carrying extra weight generate more heat, wear more quickly, and can increase braking distances, while overinflated tyres may reduce grip and make the car feel less stable on uneven roads.
Before setting off, drivers should check the pressures listed inside the driver’s door frame or vehicle handbook and make sure they match the load being carried, while also inspecting each tyre for cuts, bulges or uneven wear.
Mike Thompson explains:
“Your tyres are the only part of the vehicle that actually touch the road, so they’re doing an enormous amount of work during a long motorway journey. When you’ve added another three or four people, a roof box and a boot full of luggage, that workload increases considerably. Correct tyre pressures don’t just improve safety; they also help the vehicle handle more predictably and can improve fuel efficiency over hundreds of miles.”
2. Look underneath the car before you look under the bonnet
Checking oil and coolant levels is important, but Mike says drivers should first take a quick look underneath the vehicle before leaving.
Fresh patches of oil, coolant, or other fluids on the driveway could indicate a small leak that hasn’t yet caused noticeable problems during everyday driving. However, after several hours of motorway speeds or prolonged traffic queues in warm weather, that same issue can quickly become far more serious.
Even if fluid levels appear acceptable, any unexplained drop since the last time they were checked is worth investigating before travelling.
“Cooling systems are tested much harder during summer holiday traffic because engines spend long periods running while moving very slowly. A leak that seems insignificant around town can become a major issue after an hour sitting in motorway congestion. If you’ve noticed the coolant level falling or you’ve spotted fluid beneath the car recently, it’s always worth getting it checked before you travel.”
3. Pack your boot with your brakes in mind
How a vehicle is loaded can have just as much influence on safety as what condition it’s in. Heavy suitcases, cool boxes and camping equipment should always be placed low down and as close to the rear seats as possible, with lighter items packed above them. Loose belongings inside the passenger compartment should also be secured, as even relatively lightweight objects can become dangerous if the driver has to brake suddenly.
Overloading one side of the vehicle or stacking luggage too high can also affect visibility and make the car feel less balanced through bends or during emergency manoeuvres.
“Packing isn’t simply about making everything fit. The way weight is distributed around the vehicle changes how it accelerates, brakes, and corners. Spending an extra five minutes loading the car properly can make it noticeably more stable, particularly during long motorway journeys or if you need to react quickly to something happening ahead.”
4. Don’t assume your battery is only a winter problem
Battery failures are commonly associated with freezing mornings, but high temperatures can also shorten battery life by accelerating the chemical reactions taking place inside it.
If the engine has been slower to start recently, electrical systems have appeared weaker than normal or the battery is several years old, arranging a quick health check before travelling could prevent an inconvenient breakdown during the holidays.
“Heat is just as capable of exposing a weak battery as cold weather. If your car has shown even the slightest sign of struggling to start recently, don’t assume it’ll be fine simply because it’s summer. Long journeys often reveal problems that everyday driving hasn’t yet exposed.”
5. Clean your windscreen
Most drivers remember to top up their screen wash, but far fewer think about the effect that insect residue, road grime and greasy films on the inside of the glass can have on visibility.
Bright summer sunshine sitting low on the horizon can exaggerate every smear and mark across the windscreen, making it much harder to spot hazards ahead. Cleaning both sides of the glass thoroughly, checking the wiper blades aren’t beginning to split, and making sure the washer jets aren’t blocked all contribute to clearer visibility throughout the journey.
“Good visibility isn’t just about having enough washer fluid. Summer driving brings different challenges, from insects on the windscreen to glare from bright evening sunshine. A properly cleaned windscreen can make a remarkable difference to what you’re able to see, particularly after several hours behind the wheel.”
Photo by Tahir Xəlfəquliyev: https://www.pexels.com/photo/off-road-vehicle-in-lush-green-forest-landscape-38698194/
Leave a Reply