Five car care tips for your summer staycation
Planning a road trip can be exciting. Even the thought of it rejuvenates our minds and gives us something to look forward to. Going out with family to take some time off from the monotony of life, is the best treat you can give yourself. It’s like pushing a re-set button and giving yourself time to look at things with a fresh new perspective.
Summer getaways are empowering and if you are taking advantage of the beautiful weather and the lifting of lockdown regulations to take a staycation this summer, it is best to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition before you set off.
With thousands of us set to hit the roads for a much-needed staycation, here’s our top five tips to make sure the most of your road trip.
- Clean up
Before you head out, make sure your car is cleaned inside and out. As well as making sure you have removed all the crumbs from the back seat and finally getting those sweet papers out of the cup holder, you will have the chance to check out the interior and exterior of your car. If there are any signs of damage that you had not yet noticed, this is your chance to sort them out. It is also a good way to be sure that your windscreens are clear, giving you maximum visibility, and that your number plate is clean and easily read.
- Service time
If your car is coming close to needing a service, take the time to book it in before you go. This will mean that your car will be in the best possible condition before you hit the road, and this not only keeps you safe on the road, but it also means that you could save money in the long run – services and preventative actions tend to cost less than major repairs.
- Check tread depth
Before you commit your tyres to a long drive, check the tread depth. The legal limit is 1.6mm, and most experts recommend having at least 3mm of tread depth left for true safety on the road. You can check your tread depth yourself as long as you have a 20p piece to hand. Simply stand the coin up in the depth of the tread – if you can still see the band that circles the outside of the coin, then your tread depth is too low, and you should buy new tyres as soon as you can. A good local recommendation for buying tyres online is Jet Wheel Tyre.
- Check tyre pressure
Modern tyres are designed to be used at the appropriate pressure. Make sure yours are inflated to within the manufacturer’s recommendations and check the pressure periodically to ensure that you have a smooth drive with as little wear and tear on your car during your holiday.
- Check the boot
A spare tyre is vital in the event of a puncture, so make sure yours is in good condition before you set off. A jack to help you change the tyre is also a useful item to have, along with a basic toolbox, red triangles in case of inconvenient breakdowns, and your user manual, if you have a paper copy. With all these items, you are sure to minimise the disruption caused by a breakdown and be back on the way without losing your cheerful holiday mood.
According to the UK Government website [3], there has been an increase of 4% in road deaths to 1,792, a decrease of 3% in casualties of all severities to 181,384 and vehicle traffic levels increased by 2.2.