With millions of families expected to take to the roads this summer for their annual holiday, breakdown provider GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging motorists to spend just 10 minutes carrying out a series of simple vehicle safety checks before setting off.
The organisation says a brief inspection before departure can significantly reduce the likelihood of breakdowns, minimise the risk of dangerous roadside incidents and help drivers avoid costly repairs while away from home.
Four Essential Checks Before You Travel
GEM recommends motorists focus on four key areas before beginning any long-distance journey:
Tyres
- Check tyre pressures and adjust them to accommodate the additional weight of passengers and luggage.
- Ensure tread depth meets the legal minimum requirement.
- Inspect tyres for cuts, bulges or other visible damage.
- Don’t forget to check the spare wheel or ensure the tyre repair kit is complete and ready for use.
Vehicle Fluids
- Top up engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid to the recommended levels.
- Correct fluid levels help maintain engine efficiency and reduce the risk of overheating, particularly during heavy traffic or warmer weather.
Lights
- Carry out a full walk-around inspection to ensure all exterior lights are operating correctly.
- Ask someone to assist with checking brake lights and indicators.
Vehicle Load
- Pack luggage carefully to avoid obstructing the driver’s view.
- Secure loose items properly to prevent them becoming dangerous projectiles during sudden braking or an emergency stop.
A Small Investment That Could Save Your Holiday
James Luckhurst, Head of Road Safety at GEM Motoring Assist, said:
“A holiday road trip should be something you look forward to, not a source of anxiety. Taking just 10 minutes to check your car before setting off is one of the easiest ways to protect your family and your wallet.
“Those few minutes can be the difference between arriving relaxed at your destination or spending hours on the hard shoulder waiting for help.”
Breakdown Cover Could Save Hundreds of Pounds
Alongside carrying out basic vehicle checks, GEM is also reminding motorists to ensure they have suitable breakdown cover in place before travelling.
According to the organisation, suffering a breakdown during a family holiday without recovery cover could prove extremely costly. A single long-distance vehicle recovery of around 100 miles can cost approximately £500, before taking into account any additional expenses such as hotel accommodation, taxis, onward travel or vehicle repairs.
For families travelling significant distances this summer, comprehensive breakdown cover could provide valuable peace of mind as well as substantial financial protection.
Motoring Echo Summary
As holiday traffic increases across the UK’s road network, a simple 10-minute vehicle inspection could make the difference between a stress-free family getaway and an expensive roadside breakdown. Checking tyres, fluids, lights and luggage, together with ensuring adequate breakdown cover, offers motorists an easy way to reduce risk before embarking on longer journeys this summer.
🚗 Motoring Echo Top Tips: 10-Minute Holiday Car Check
Before You Leave Home
✅ Check tyre pressures
Adjust pressures for extra passengers and luggage, inspect for damage and confirm tread depth is above the legal minimum.
✅ Don’t forget the spare
Ensure your spare wheel is correctly inflated or that your tyre repair kit is complete and accessible.
✅ Top up essential fluids
Check engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid before every long journey.
✅ Test every light
Headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and reversing lights should all be working correctly.
✅ Pack safely
Keep luggage below window height where possible, avoid blocking rear visibility and secure loose items.
✅ Plan your journey
Check traffic updates, roadworks and weather forecasts before leaving, and allow extra time for busy holiday routes.
✅ Take regular breaks
Aim to stop every two hours to remain alert and reduce driver fatigue.
✅ Carry emergency essentials
Pack water, snacks, phone charger, torch, warning triangle (where appropriate), high-visibility vest, first aid kit and any required medication.
✅ Check your breakdown cover
Confirm your policy is active and keep your provider’s emergency contact details readily available.
Motoring Echo Advice
Ten minutes spent checking your vehicle before setting off could save hours of delays, hundreds of pounds in recovery costs and help ensure your holiday gets off to the best possible start.
- Breakdown Cover: Useful link here: http://www.motoringassist.com/
