Car Care Tips
Are you setting off on holiday soon? Do you plan to travel to the airport by car? Well then don't let a breakdown ruin your holiday... The good news is that most breakdowns are entirely avoidable with just a few simple steps.
Bristol Airport Guide has put together the Top 10 Car Care Tips to ensure you avoid breaking down on the way to the airport so your holiday can get off to a good start.
Breaking Down
The last thing you want to encounter on your journey to the airport is a breakdown. Why not cover yourself with a new or extended car warranty which will take care of the costs for mechanical or electrical component faults.
Many car warranties will also pay for the recovery of your vehicle and cover any travel costs including train, taxi and air fares.
1. Breakdown Cover
Every year, holiday plans are thrown into complete disarray when cars break down during the trip to the airport. Suffering a breakdown can not only be costly in terms of your finances but can also cause great emotional distress when well-laid plans result in nothing more than a ride back home in a tow truck.
Before you set off to the airport, make sure that you have breakdown cover. PetrolPrices.com have reviewed all breakdown providers to help you find the best deal.
2. Check your Tyres
One of the main causes of vehicle breakdowns is dangerous tyres. Both incorrect tyre pressure and tyre tread will cause your vehicle to be unsafe on the road. Not only is it unsafe but the average driver loses £150/yr from driving on under-inflated tyres.
Problems Caused - Under inflation can lead to your tyres overheating. Over inflated tyres will lead to rapid wear of your tyres. If you are caught with illegal tyre tread you will incur a hefty fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.
What to do?
- Buy tyres online from BlackCircles.com
- Always keep a spare wheel and jack in your boot, and know how to change a tyre.
- Check pressure level of your tyres. To find out what level your tyres should be at take a look at your vehicle handbook or visit Kwik Fit.
3. Fuel
Whilst running out of fuel on any normal day is embarrassing, running out on the way to the airport can be devastating! Find out where the cheapest fuel in your area is. Running out of fuel is easily done as many of the roads leading to airports are motorways with fewer petrol stations along them.
Problems Caused - Running out of fuel on a motorway will mean that you will have to be towed to the nearest petrol station, costing both time and money. Inserting the wrong fuel into your vehicle will cause a breakdown, and may incur permanent damage.
What to do?
- Check where to get the cheapest fuel in your area with PetrolPrices.com
- Make sure that you check and double check your fuel gauge before you set off.
- Place a colour coded sticker on your fuel cap to remind you which fuel to use. (i.e. Green for Unleaded)
- Carry an emergency fuel kit, available at Car Parts Direct.
4. Emergency Kits
Even if you take every precaution to avoid breakdowns, you should always carry an emergency kit with you in the car at all times. This kit can be used in breakdown situations and will also be useful if you are unfortunate enough to become involved in an accident. This kit should include:
What to have?
- Water
- Food
- Blankets
- First Aid Kit
- Torch
- Maps
- Emergency Triangle
5. Winter Driving Tips
In the winter drivers should be aware that driving conditions change. The roads may ice over or heavy rain can affect your vision whilst driving. If it is a severe winter then you may even get snowed in, effecting your trip to the airport.
What to do?
- Make sure that you have breakdown cover to get you out of sticky situations
- Carry in you car: Anti-freeze, extra blankets, tow rope, water, torch, emergency triangle and maps.
6. Flat Battery?
One thing worse than breaking down on the way to the airport... Your car not even starting in the driveway. Don't let a flat battery or dodgy alternator delay you setting off.
Problems Caused - Flat car batteries will mean that the car will not start and poorly functioning alternator may lead to the battery not charging.
What to do?
- Always carry a set of jump leads in your car!
- Take your car on a long run the night before you set off.
- Alternatively, charge your battery overnight once every two weeks to avoid a flat battery.
7. Check your Brakes
It's not only important to check your brakes before setting off to the airport, but every time you get into your vehicle. Brake failure can cause death!
Problems Caused - Brake system failure can cause you to crash leading to fatal injuries and sometimes death. Screeching sounds when you apply pressure to the brakes means that the pads need changing.
What to do?
- Change brake pads regularly - Find Front Discs and Pads at CarParts-Direct.
- Check for shiny brake discs - If not replace the discs in pairs.
8. Check Oil Levels
Oil is to a car engine, as blood is to a your body. It keeps the car running. This should stress the importance of topping up and changing your oil regularly.
Problems Caused - If you have failed to keep the oil in your car topped up then the damage may already have been done. Your car engine will be working alot harder than it should, and will wear alot quicker, maybe causing very costly repairs which could be avoided.
What to do?
- Check your oil levels regularly (every week) using the dipstick under the bonnet.
- Make sure you are using the correct oil for your car.
9. Check Water Levels
To keep the car's coolant system working in tip top condition top it up regularly with water. Making sure water levels are correct will prevent problems with your car's radiatior and help you to aviod breakdowns. In addition to topping up the coolant system you must make sure the windscreen washer is full.
Problems Caused - Overheating will cause components to stop working meaning repair work will be needed. No windscreen washer can mean an obstructed view whilst driving and you may miss vital information.
What to do? -
- Regularly top up water levels in your car's coolant system.
- Keep your windscreen washer level topped up.
10. Lights
By law, constant light beams should be visible at the front and rear of any road vehicle, with the execption of indicators. This means that if you have a broken head light or tail light then the police can stop and fine you.
Problems Caused - Other road users will have reduced vision of you and may lead to accidents. If only one light is working then your car may be mistaken for a motorbike.
What to do?
- Regularly turn on all your lights and walk around your vehicle to check they work.
- Keep a spare bulb in your car so you can change it as soon as you see its broken.