SUMMER DRIVING: THE UK ROAD TRIP BOOM & HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CAR

August is traditionally one of the busiest months of the year for motorists, with families heading away for holidays, staycations, days out and longer road trips.

This year has been no exception.

Research released by the AA in August found that one in five drivers had previously considered taking a road trip of more than 100 miles during the school holidays, while millions of motorists were expected to head off on summer driving adventures.

At Lodge Automotive, we know that a long journey can be one of the best ways to explore the UK. But it can also expose problems with a vehicle that might not be noticeable during shorter everyday journeys.

That is why we always recommend carrying out a few basic checks before setting off.

Start with your tyres.

Check that they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures and take a look at the tread and overall condition. Remember that a heavily loaded vehicle may require different tyre pressures, so it is worth checking the manufacturer’s guidance before a long trip.

Check your fluids.

Oil, coolant and screenwash are all worth checking before a long journey. This is particularly important during periods of hot weather, when cooling systems can come under additional pressure.

The AA reported a 20% increase in cooling-system breakdowns during recent heatwaves and warned motorists about the additional risks created by extreme temperatures.

Don’t forget the battery.

A weak battery can quickly turn a planned holiday journey into an unwanted roadside stop. If your car has shown any signs of struggling to start, it is worth having the battery checked before setting off.

For electric vehicle drivers, preparation is equally important. Plan your charging stops, particularly if you are travelling somewhere unfamiliar or during a busy holiday period.

And finally, make sure you have everything you actually need for the journey. A phone charger, water, basic emergency equipment and details of your breakdown provider can all prove invaluable if something goes wrong.

One of the great things about driving in the UK is the sheer variety of places that can be reached by car. The AA’s August research highlighted that Britain’s coastline remains the country’s favourite road-trip destination, while many famous driving routes are still unexplored by most motorists.

But whether you’re heading hundreds of miles away or simply taking the family for a day at the coast, a little preparation can make a huge difference.

At Lodge Automotive, we believe preventative maintenance is always preferable to dealing with an avoidable breakdown.

So before your next long journey, give your vehicle a few minutes of attention.

It could save you a lot more than a few minutes at the roadside.