Preparing Your Car For Summer Motoring

With the summer holidays approaching many holidaymakers will travel to attractions by car, not to mention the thousands that drive to the airport before setting off to even warmer climes.

purpleparking’s, sales and marketing director, Steve Waller, said, “Not preparing your car for summer motoring could increase the risk of an inconvenient upset such as a breakdown. With this in mind, we have compiled some useful tips to ensure a pleasant journey, when driving to and back from the airport, before and after your holiday”

1. Check your vehicle is regularly serviced, consult your service book. It can be all too easy to overlook the correct service date.

2. Do not fill the fuel tank to the brim on especially hot days. As with most liquids fuel will expand.

3. Check your oil and water levels. If you are running low, top these up. Carry a spare bottle of water or carton of oil in your car.

4. Tyre conditions should be checked, including that of the spare, assessing tyre pressure and legal tread depth.

5. Check front and rear wiper blades for wear or splitting. Do check windscreen washers making sure that they are adjusted correctly. Screen wash additive is also recommended.

6. Inspect car keys for wear and condition. Replace if necessary, Remember, a worn key will quickly wear out a lock barrel causing the lock to jam. Make sure you have a spare set of keys for your car in a safe place.

7. Listen to radio reports of any delays or road closures. Some relaxing music to listen to can help take the stress out of traffic hold-ups.

8. Take something to eat and drink, just in case you are unlucky enough to get caught in any traffic congestion.

9. Make sure you packed your sunglasses as they are worn when driving for more time throughout the year than any other activity, work related or sport.

10. Make sure you have a phonecard or some small change for use in any emergency where a mobile phone wouldn't be available.

Waller adds, “Owners should tune up their cars, especially after the wear and tear of winter. Even if you think your car is in good shape, it's best to check to make sure you reach your destination on time.”

Purple Parking

5 May 2006