Checking your vehicle before a long journey
Ten minutes of checks before you leave often saves several hours waiting at the roadside.
Before setting off on a long journey it is worth taking a few minutes for a basic check of the vehicle. Most of the faults the roadside assistance service is called out to could have been avoided by one.
Tyres and pressure
Check the tread depth and the pressure in every tyre, the spare included. Under-inflation increases fuel consumption and the risk of a blowout on hot asphalt.
Fluids and battery
The engine oil, coolant and screen wash levels should be checked while the engine is cold. A battery more than five years old fails more often at high temperatures.
Equipment in the vehicle
The warning triangle, high-visibility vest, first aid kit and spare bulbs must be in the vehicle and easy to reach. Check that the equipment is still in date as well.