With the school holidays finally here, the thoughts of many families turn towards the precious annual holiday.
For families who are planning a holiday with the car, either at home or abroad, there are some simple advisable car checks you should do before heading off, which could save you a lot of trouble. Here are five simple vehicle safety checks recommended by Continental Tyre Group that any driver can do to help keep families safe during the annual migration.
Clean interior: The majority of motorists are not particularly careful about keeping their cars very clean, inside or out. However, when you are embarking on a long journey such as heading off on holiday, it is important to have the cabin area of the car clear of the usual clutter that can accumulate.
For example, an empty can, bottle or other piece of rubbish rolling under the brake pedal while you are driving could have very serious consequences. Also, all loose objects in a car can become potentially lethal weapons when you brake suddenly or if you are involved in a road traffic collision.
Tyres: Good condition tyres can mean the difference between avoiding trouble or having an accident. Check your tyres’ air pressure and inspect their tread depth, not forgetting the spare wheel if you have one. If there are any bulges or cracks, take your car to a reputable tyre dealer to have them professionally checked.
Windscreen wipers: Be ready for some of those sudden, heavy summer downpours. Make sure to check the condition of your car’s wiper blades. Lift the front and rear windscreen wipers away from the glass and check that their rubber blade is not worn down or peeling away from its base.
Lights: Driving with defective lights is both illegal and dangerous for you and for other road users. So take a couple of minutes to ask a family member or friend to walk around your car as you switch on the side lights, the headlights, operate the main beam, and then check the indicators and brake lights. Do not forget the fog lamps and reversing lights.
Service schedule: Occasionally checking the level of oil in the engine is not enough to keep your car in good health. It should be serviced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, which can be found in the car’s handbook.
The number of road accidents actually increases during the summer months as many more people take to the roads for holidays and outdoor activities. So, above all, make sure to drive in a careful and courteous manner paying particular attention to more vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
