This February half term, thousands of families will be hitting the roads for getaways across Britain.
Green Flag has predicted there will be 174,706 breakdowns in half term week, equating to 13 every minute.
Dead batteries, punctures, and engine failures will be the main culprits of major breakdowns, that will cause thousands of journeys to be delayed or end in upset.
Make sure you’re ready for your trip away by getting your car serviced if it’s due, and keeping up with regular maintenance.
According to Green Flag, the most common causes of February half term breakdowns will be:
- 1. Flat/faulty batteries
- 2. Punctures
- 3. Engine failure
- 4. Clutch
- 5. Starter Motor
- 6. Locking keys inside car
- 7. Using the wrong fuel
- 8. Fuel pump mechanical/electrical
- 9. Power steering fault
Before you set out on a journey this half term, make sure you check the following:
- Walk around the car and look for any signs of potential trouble, especially tyres and lights
- Check tyre pressures, spare included
- Check all fluid levels and top up if necessary
- Make sure you have breakdown cover. If you’re travelling abroad make sure your cover extends to your trip away
- Keep a road map in the car so you’ll be able to explain where you are when you call for help. Don’t rely on the map on your phone – you won’t always have signal
- Keep some coins in the car in case you need to call for help and there’s no mobile phone signal
- Make sure your phone battery is topped up – think about buying an in-car charger just in case you need it
- Have the number for your emergency breakdown provider handy
- Carry a red warning triangle at all times
- Always keep some warm clothes, a rug and some chocolate in the car in case you get stuck in cold conditions for a long time
If your car is due a service, or if you’re planning a long journey and it’s been a while since your last service, it’s worth booking in with your local garage for them to check your brakes and test your battery.
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