Foxy Lady
Drivers Club
Top Ten holiday motoring tips
When it’s holiday time, the last thing you want to do is waste time stuck at the side of the road because your car needed some TLC beforehand. So here are a few tips prepared by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and illustrated by Marshall Motor Group’s ATA engineer Jo Satchwell to help you spend more time at journey’s end.
1. Check tyre pressures; always check tyre condition (including tread depths to make sure that they are legal and will last the long journey) and pressures before a long trip and adjust for loads being carried – this helps to keep fuel economy at its best.
2. Check coolant levels; this needs to be done when the engine is cold.
3. Check engine oil levels, if the red oil light is showing on your dash board then DON’T run the engine ie don’t drive the car.
4. Check for a valid MOT, just in case. Where this date is approaching, it can be done 30 days in advance without affecting the expiry date a year later.
5. Clear vision is vital. Make sure your screen wash is topped up, your wipers are clearing the screen properly and your lights are all working. Being in an unfamiliar place with limited vision could lead to an unnecessary accident.
6. Have your air conditioning system checked. In hot weather the one thing you will need is air conditioning so it is worth having the system serviced and checked for efficiency.
7. If towing a caravan; be sure to check the caravan’s tyres and brakes too, especially if it has been standing for a long period.
8. Are all necessary safety items stored in the vehicle? Your warning triangle, spare bulb kit and first aid items? We suggest you also check what these items must include for the country you are visiting as these do vary.
9. Always check that the spare tyre or inflation device is in good condition and usable should you need it. Make sure you know where the locking wheel is stored as it won’t be much use if you are stranded at the side of the road and it’s stored at home. If you are unfamiliar with changing a wheel with a laden vehicle (full up with holiday luggage) be sure this is covered by your breakdown insurance.
10. If your car needs a service then, ideally, you should go to a garage that employs ATA technicians. This means they have signed an ethical code of conduct and have passed rigorous checks and have proved their technical competence to work on your vehicle.
FOXY Lady Drivers Club | 35 Goring Road | Steyning BN44 3GF
Tel: 01903 879988 | Email: info@foxyladydrivers.com
Highly Commended, Brake’s Road Safety in the Community Award, 2009
Winner, Home Business Awards, 2008
Regional Finalist, HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards, 2007
Runner Up, The Daily Telegraph’s Trailblazers’ Business Awards, 2006
Small Business Award Winner, SAGA Magazine, 2005
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