Motorists driving home for Christmas are being advised to take some simple precautions to avoid car woes.
Leading motoring website DrivingExperience.com is issuing the advice as millions of Brits prepare to get behind the wheel to visit family and friends over the festive period.
Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at DrivingExperience.com, said: "In the excitement to get away it can be easy to overlook some basic car maintenance that, if ignored, might make it a trip to forget."
"Festive journeys are extra special, filled with anticipation and enjoyment, so we'd encourage all motorists to spend time checking their vehicle to ensure it's in good condition before setting off."
Tyres
Correct tyre maintenance is essential for a safe journey. Among the areas that need to be checked are tyre pressure, tread depth and overall condition. Tyres that are unfit for purpose pose the risk of reduced grip and longer stopping distances.
There's also an increased chance of punctures or sudden blowouts, plus aquaplaning in wet conditions. As well as safety, and possibly being illegal, poor tyres can also result in lower fuel efficiency, adding to the cost of a journey.
Battery
A dead battery can leave a vehicle stranded, not good at any time, especially so over the festive period with lower temperatures and harsher weather.
There are some telltale signs that a battery might be on its way out. This includes having difficulty starting the car and increasingly having to jump start the vehicle.
Other indications are a clicking sound when turning the key and a battery warning light on the dashboard. If you have concerns about the car battery, then it's advisable to have it checked by an expert.
Fluids
Car fluids cover a number of areas including oil and antifreeze. It's vitally important to have them at the correct levels.
An inadequate amount of oil can lead to serious engine damage because it seizes up, potentially leading to a complete engine breakdown.
Meanwhile, antifreeze is essential to prevent the coolant from freezing when the temperature drops, without it there could be serious damage to the engine and radiator, plus more.
Windscreens and wipers
There's likely to be frosty car windscreens over the Christmas period, however, do not be tempted to pour hot water over it as the sudden change in temperature might cause it to crack or shatter.
It's advisable to use a scraper and de-icer outside the vehicle, while warm air on the inside will help clear the windscreen, plus remember to switch on the rear window heater.
Worn wipers must also be replaced as they impair driver visibility, making it harder to react to potential hazards, especially in bad wintry weather. There's also the risk of a fine or penalty points.
Fuel
It may seem obvious but make sure there's plenty of fuel in the tank to cover the journey distance, especially for those cars without a stop-start/start-stop system to reduce idle time.
Anything can happen to cause delays, from roadworks to extra traffic, so it's best to plan for the unexpected, which will also make the journey more enjoyable when underway.
If you'd like a safer opportunity to drive this festive season, why not check out our Christmas special offers page.
If you'd like a safer opportunity to drive this festive season, why not check out our Christmas Special Offers page? We’re currently featuring a range of discounted driving experiences across the UK - from supercar and drifting experiences to unique passenger rides and junior driving days - with savings of up to around 66% on selected experiences. You’ll find deals on experiences for one or more cars, across different regions and price ranges, making it a great chance to enjoy some festive thrills or gift an unforgettable experience this Christmas.
