Avoiding car problems during the summer holidays.

UK-based ‘staycations’ have grown significantly in popularity in recent years, offering a perfect blend of convenience and exploration. Whether you’re making your way up to the Scottish Highlands or heading down to the Cornish coast. At Warrantywise, we’ve prepared some top tips to ensure your car is in reliable working order and you’re ready for the long journey ahead.  

And for added peace of mind, why not consider an extended warranty for your vehicle?  Our priority is to keep you moving, as well as ensuring financial protection. Visit our car warranty page and see how we can help keep you on the road.  

It’s often said that “failing to plan is planning to fail”, therefore, making sure you have a route in mind before your car journey ensures that you’re in the best possible position to reach your destination. The AA provide a free route planner that you can use to map out your journey to prevent getting lost or delayed; the planner shows you the quickest route to take, and any hazards or traffic alerts that may appear along the way.  

Before you set off, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with your chosen route, as this will reduce any surprises along the way.  

The best way to do this is through the map’s application on a smartphone, or a physical map which you can purchase from any good supermarket. Applications such as Apple Maps and Google Maps offer real-time traffic updates, alternative routes and points of interest along the way.  

Top tip: make sure to go offline! Download maps for areas where your mobile signal may drop.  

Using a SatNav to select a primary and a secondary route will also give you peace of mind that you’ll be able to take any redirections in your stride.  

Before hitting the road, it’s crucial to give your vehicle a thorough once-over, regardless of whether you’re driving a traditional or electric vehicle. According to the RAC, only a fifth of UK drivers regularly check their vehicles ahead of a long journey [1] leaving them at risk of breaking down and landing them with a large garage bill. These pre-trip checks aren’t just about preventing breakdowns; they’re about ensuring you and your loved ones reach your destination safely and stress-free too.  

Despite all precautions, breakdowns can still happen. Here’s what you can do in the event of a breakdown to keep safe:  

• Stay calm in a safe space: Pull over to safe location, away from traffic if it is possible.  

• Emergency signals: use hazard lights and set-up warning triangles to alert other drivers.  

• Roadside assistance: have the contact information for your roadside assistance service handy. Check your car insurance policy, as many of them include this.

Have you been asked about the tread depth of a tyre since your driving test? This information is often key to staying safe on long drives and ensuring that your tyres are properly maintained. And, if you’re wondering, it’s 1.6 millimetres! If you are unsure on how to check your tyres correctly, take a look at our blog: How to check your tyre pressure.  

If the tread looks like it’s worn, it might be time to change your tyre for maximum safety on the road. Just visit a local garage before heading off on long trips, or if you’re confident enough to do so, change the tyre yourself.  

It’s advisable to keep a spare tyre in your car as punctures can be problematic and costly. Some cars come with ‘run-flat tyres’ which will help you to safely get to the nearest service station, without having to pull over. These will typically allow you to drive for an additional 100 miles, although this will vary across tyre types. 

Jump leads are another important investment before any road trip but should be handled with care. Improper use can lead to damaging your car, or worse, yourself. There are a variety of online resources that will equip you with the information to safely use jump leads. You can typically find jump leads online and in automotive stores and can be bought for around £20 upwards.  

Don’t forget to take your charging cable for your electric vehicle, as this will ensure that you’re covered if you can’t locate a charging point, or the facility you want to use is out of service. 

If you’re looking to stock up on the latest gadgets for your car, check out our blog on our top-rated in-car accessories that will make a big difference to any long journey. 

Conducting a quick inspection of the fluids under your vehicle’s bonnet is one of the most effective ways to ensure your car is running as smoothly as possible.  

This simple step will you take you 5-10 minutes and can ultimately save you a lot of hassle down the line. Here’s what you need to know:  

Before setting off, make sure you’ve calculated how much fuel you need, as running low on petrol or diesel on a long journey can be stressful. It’s always a sensible idea to make a note of any petrol stations on your route to guarantee you’re always covered, and should you need to refuel.  

Or, better still, get ahead of the game by consulting our top tips for reducing fuel consumption. 

It’s really important to check the oil, and if it’s low, make sure you’ve purchased the correct type for the make and model of your vehicle. You can find this key information in the logbook of your car, clearly detailed in the index. Getting the wrong type of oil can cause serious damage to your transmission, so make sure you’re clued up before you make your purchase.  

If you would like further information on how to check your car’s engine oil, take a look at our  handy guide to checking your engine oil.  

Engine coolant is another core fluid that should be topped up ahead of long drives. This liquid stops your engine from freezing in extreme cold or overheating in extreme temperatures. It’s inexpensive, easy to get hold of, and vital to remember when you’re working your way through your pre-journey checklist.  

If you drive a diesel car, you might have seen the AdBlue notification come up, but are you unsure what it means? AdBlue is a blue fluid that is interjected to diesel engines to reduce emissions, there should be a blue cap located next to the fuel cap and when filled is kept in a separate tank in the car. Keeping this essential fluid topped up ensures that nitrous oxide emissions are reduced and keeps everything running in perfect working order. If you see this notification pop up, it’s important not to ignore it.  

While most drivers will only need to change their brake fluid every three and five years, it is always a good idea to ensure this is well maintained as neglecting to do so could have dangerous consequences. There are a lot of different ways to sport signs of low brake fluid, so make sure to consult your car’s manual for a definitive answer.  

Not cleaning your windscreen properly can result in dangerous driving or fatal collisions, so make sure you’re not relying on the rain to wash away streaks, smears, dust, and dirt. Unlike car oil, the windscreen fluid depletes when it’s used, as opposed to deterioration over time. It’s always a good idea to make sure you have enough, so lift the hood of your car, locate the windscreen fluid reservoir, and top up as we needed.  

It’s easier than you think to increase your car’s efficiency, read Warrantywise’s six essential fluid to keep your car healthy to find out more.  

Coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen fluid

Most electric vehicles rely on three essential fluids that need to be monitored ahead of your road trip.  

Coolant, brake fluid and windscreen fluid should all be checked before you leave for your destination. Check that the coolant you’re about to use is compatible with an electric vehicle, as this type of fluid is not interchangeable with standard petrol or diesel cars.  

Brake fluid should be topped up as and when it’s needed, although this varies on the make and model of your vehicle. Windscreen fluid can be refilled periodically.  

Although it’s not strictly speaking a fluid, if you’re travelling in an electric or hybrid car, make sure to top up your battery ahead of the drive, as doing so will provide peace of mind.  

Make sure you’re familiar with where you can easily access EV hubs along your route, should you need an emergency top-up. Although hubs are often integrated within the forecourt of the petrol or service station, they can also be found in other places such as car parks.  

4. Regular check-ins and maintenance

If you’re on a long trip, you should consider regular maintenance stops, checking the health of your car to keep yourself and your passengers healthy along the way. Making a few pit stops on a long journey to check things such as: tyre pressure and oil levels could save you from potential breakdowns. If it is a hot day, stopping at a service station or rest stop will allow your car to cool down which is crucial as overheating could cause issues with the engine and head-gasket.  

Earlier this year, the SMMT released their most sold used cars list for 2023. Our Reliability Index offers key reliability insights for each of the models in this list. These are the cars you bought the most of. From the most loved Ford Fiesta, through to the stylish BMW 3 Series.  

Take a look at our reliability index to find out information such as what is the most regular repair request, what’s the average repair cost and what age faults tend to occur. This can help you better protect yourself financially against any unexpected repairs during your trip.  

Don’t forget to make sure you have the correct insurance policy in place before a long drive, as having the wrong type could invalidate your policy entirely. You should also check with your insurance provider before you go, to see if you are covered for theft and damage to your car whilst you’re abroad. For advice you can check the Government website for advice on driving abroad. 

If you’re driving abroad, an extended or amended insurance policy might be something to consider, as many providers won’t typically include cover for international trips. 

If you want to know more about the fine details of your cover, speak to your insurance company who will be able to give you a full rundown of the specifics and notify you of any additional cover which you could benefit from.  

7. Make sure you are protected with a warranty

It’s safe to say that no one wants to spend holiday money on new car parts! So, having a warranty on place can protect you in case the worst happens. It’s also a good idea to make sure you pick a warranty that has roadside assistance or breakdown cover included.  

Having an extended car warranty in place whilst you’re out and about in your car for the summer will add that peace of mind that you need to fully enjoy your getaway. The extra layer of protection that a warranty provides will allow you to relax, knowing that even if the worse was to happen, Warrantywise can keep you moving. Heading off on your  summer ‘staycation’ soon? Be prepared and get your car warranty quote today. 

8. Safety-first

A good way to approach packing essentials is to create a checklist so that nothing is left behind.  

Here are some of the must crucial items to remember:  

• Reflective coat or high-visibility jacket: By having a reflective coat or high-vis jacket handy, you are ensuring that passing vehicles can see you clearly if yours breaks down. They range in colours from yellow to orange and even green are available at service stations and motoring stores nationwide.  You can purchase high-visibility vests and coats on Amazon from prices as low as £4.
• Hazard cones and reflective triangles: Should you break down or need to alert passing vehicles to your presence. Make sure you take car when you’re placing these behind your car, and never place them on the motorway. Instead, exit the vehicle, stand well behind the barrier, and wait for the emergency breakdown vehicle to reach you. Hazard cones and reflective triangles can be online from sites such as Amazon for as little as £6.
• A first aid kit: A well-stocked first-aid kit is a must-have for any long drive. Make sure it’s packed with plasters, antiseptic cream, a thermometer, sterile dressings, tweezers, safety pins, painkillers, and distilled water for sanitising cuts and grazes. First aid kits are an essential, they can be bought online and in high-street stores from just £7. We have found this first aid kit for you.

Not only are first-aid kits necessary for long car journeys but are also useful for long walks and activities once you reach your destination. 

Blankets are another must-have. If you’re required to stop over for an extended period or your vehicle breaks down, blankets can provide much-needed warmth and comfort, protecting you from the cold at night. A blanket can also double up as a pad for checking under your car should you need to, or as a cushion to be placed under someone’s head.  

It’s always worth packing a rain jacket to protect you from unpredictable British weather! Similarly, an extra jumper, warm coat, hat, scarf, and gloves are also helpful items that will protect you from the cold. Encourage your passengers to think ahead and dig out their extra layers.   

Not sure where to go on your next road trip? Or looking to take your journey further afield? Here are the eight best roads for driving in the world 

If you’re going to be travelling long distances an extended car warranty from Warrantywise provides protection for your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, shielding you from those unexpected repair costs that can arise due to mechanical or electrical failures and 24-hour breakdown cover. Get a free quote from Warrantywise today. 

It’s always a good idea to keep your options open when it comes to selecting a warranty; remember to look at the cover levels and prices. Also always be sure to read the plan before you take it out to ensure you know what’s included!  

References

[1] RAC. (2023, July 28). RAC warns drivers not to become a breakdown statistic by failing to carry out basic checks before setting off. RAC Media Centre. Retrieved from https://media.rac.co.uk/pressreleases/rac-warns-drivers-not-to-become-a-breakdown-statistic-by-failing-to-carry-out-basic-checks-before-setting-off-3194296