THE RAC has warned drivers not to forget a crucial piece of kit before you head off on a Christmas roadtrip.
The motoring organisation estimates there will be around 21million festive getaways during the run up to the big day, with most taking place in the three days before Christmas.
GettyChecking your tyres for the correct pressure and tread are essential before you set out (stock image)[/caption]
In order to minimise breakdowns and disruption to journeys, the RAC has given a checklist of the things drivers need to do before they set out.
And one thing many drivers may overlook is knowing where your locking wheel nut key is.
Locking wheel nuts – also known as lug nuts or alloy wheel nuts – are used to keep wheels secure on a car.
But if you need to change a tyre, it has to come off – and you’ll need your locking wheel nut key to do so.
They are often kept in a small bag or box in the boot.
If the worst does happen and need a tyre or wheel change you will need this and knowing where it is can save a fair bit of time for your roadside patrol.
The RAC Breakdown’s Rod Dennis told The Sun Online: “With the annual getaway in full flow, no one wants their festive trips to be blighted by a breakdown.
“A lot of the breakdowns our patrols will be attending over the coming days are avoidable, so long as drivers do their checks before setting out.
“Making sure tyres are in good condition and have plenty of tread, and that oil, coolant are at the right levels, can go a long way towards ensuring a trouble-free trip.”
CHRISTMAS CHECKLIST
Many people will no doubt remember to make sure their tyres are properly inflated – but don’t forget to alter them if you are going to be carrying a heavy load.
Drivers are also advised to check your tyres too and make sure they have plenty of tread.
The RAC says that during the winter need at least 3mm for maximum grip.
Also check over for signs of damage and wear and don’t delay if anything needs replacing.
Check the state of all the vehicle’s wipers too and make sure they are clearing both the front and rear windscreens properly.
Over time, the rubber can fray and deteriorate.
Make sure oil and coolant are both at the right levels. If coolant is draining quickly, it could be a sign of a leak and drivers are urged to get this checked as soon as possible.
If you’re noticing that your car is sluggish to start, this could mean the battery is coming to the end of its life.
You might need to call out an RAC Mobile Mechanic to get things checked over and they can help with a variety of other servicing and repair jobs that might need attention.
Give the outside of your car a once over and ensure your mirrors and lights are dirt free and check all your lights are working properly and also top up your screenwash.
Secure any loads you might be carrying – check them, then check them again to make sure.
Don’t forget: RAC’s top tips before you head off
Before you hit the road, here are the 6 things to check:
FUEL: Check you have plenty of fuel in your tank for your journey. It may sound obvious but you’d be surprised just how many people run out of fuel, particularly in harsh winter weather.
OIL: Our patrols check the oil level of every vehicle they attend and find one in three are dangerously low. This can cause a breakdown and lead to catastrophic engine damage if left unresolved.
RUBBER: When it comes to rubber, check both your tyres and wiper blades on a regular basis.
COOLANT: Check your car’s coolant level. The last thing you need is a frozen engine or for your car to overheat.
BRAKES: We should all understand importance of properly-functioning brakes, so keeping them maintained is essential, to avoid any expensive repair bills or potential repair failures.
SPARK PLUGS: More of a replacement than a check, but spark plugs are integral to the running of your engine – one or more faulty plugs will cause an engine misfire so it’s worth knowing how to replace them.
It’s also a good idea to find out where the lowest fuel prices are on your journey before you set off.
This can be done on checking free comparison apps such as PetrolPrices or the myRAC mobile app.
Drivers can save on average up to 6p a litre by using them.
It is also a good idea to use a sat nav to see how long it is going to take, although drivers are warned not to rely on the first estimate.
With so much traffic on the roads over the Christmas period unexpected jams, caused by breakdowns or collisions can easily a significant amount of time to your journey.
Drivers are also warned about the risk of “flat battery blues” in the New Year.
If your vehicle doesn’t tend to get used much between Christmas and New Year, drivers are urged to take their cars on a good run to avoid the risk of it not starting when you really need it to.
GettyMake sure any load you’re carrying is securely fastened (stock image)[/caption]