Bank Holiday Getaway: A Quick Car Check Before You Go
Before a bank holiday getaway, run a quick ten-minute check: tyres (including pressures and the spare), engine oil, coolant, screenwash, lights and brakes. Bank holidays bring some of the heaviest traffic and highest breakdown numbers of the year, and most breakdowns are preventable with a simple check the day before.
Why bank holidays catch drivers out
Bank holiday weekends pack the roads with people heading away at once, often in cars that have sat unused or skipped a check. Long queues, hot engines in slow traffic and fully loaded cars combine to push tired components over the edge.
Add in that many garages are closed over the weekend, and a small problem that could have been fixed on Friday becomes a ruined trip. A quick check beforehand is the simplest way to stay out of the breakdown statistics.
The ten-minute check
You do not need to be mechanically minded to cover the basics the day before you travel.
- Tyre tread and pressures (use the laden setting if loaded), plus the spare.
- Engine oil and coolant levels with the engine cold.
- Screenwash topped up for bugs and grime.
- All lights and indicators working.
- A listen for any brake noises and a feel for the pedal.
Plan around the traffic
Timing makes a big difference on a bank holiday. Traffic tends to peak at predictable times, so travelling early in the morning or later in the evening often means a calmer, quicker journey.
Check the route and traffic before you set off, keep at least half a tank of fuel for unexpected delays, and allow extra time so you are not tempted to rush. A relaxed schedule is safer and far less stressful when the roads are busy.
Pack a simple breakdown kit
If you do come to a stop, a few items make a roadside wait safer and more bearable. A hi-vis vest, a warning triangle, a phone power bank, water and a basic first-aid kit cover most situations.
Make sure your breakdown cover is current and the number is to hand, and know whether you have a spare wheel, a space-saver or just a repair kit, so you are not finding out for the first time at the roadside.
Loaded cars and hot traffic
A bank holiday car is often fully loaded and sitting in slow, hot traffic, which is hard on tyres, brakes and the cooling system. Use the laden tyre pressures from your handbook, and keep an eye on the temperature gauge in long queues.
Distribute weight evenly and do not block your rear view, and if you fit a roof box, check the load limit and that lights and the number plate stay visible. A well-loaded car handles and stops far better than an overloaded, badly packed one.
Sort problems before the weekend
If your check turns up worn tyres, a soft brake pedal or low fluids, deal with it before the weekend rather than gambling on a long trip with garages closed.
We can carry out a quick safety check, fit tyres or sort a brake issue before you travel, often the same day. A few minutes of preparation beats a bank holiday spent on the hard shoulder waiting for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before a bank holiday trip?
Check tyre tread and pressures including the spare, top up oil, coolant and screenwash with the engine cold, make sure all lights work, and listen for any brake noises. Do it the day before so you have time to fix anything, as garages may be shut over the weekend.
Why do so many cars break down on bank holidays?
Bank holidays pack the roads with cars travelling at once, often loaded and sitting in slow, hot traffic, which pushes tired tyres, brakes and cooling systems over the edge. Most of these breakdowns are preventable with a simple check the day before you travel.
When is the best time to travel on a bank holiday?
Traffic usually peaks at predictable times, so travelling early in the morning or later in the evening often means a calmer, quicker journey. Check the route and traffic before setting off, keep at least half a tank of fuel for delays, and allow extra time so you are not rushing.
What should I keep in the car for a bank holiday trip?
A hi-vis vest, warning triangle, phone power bank, water and a basic first-aid kit cover most roadside situations. Make sure your breakdown cover is current with the number to hand, and know whether you have a spare wheel, space-saver or just a repair kit before you set off.
Should I service my car before a bank holiday getaway?
If a service is due or your check turns up worn tyres, a soft brake pedal or low fluids, sort it before the weekend rather than risking a long trip with garages closed. A quick safety check, tyre fitting or brake repair beforehand is far better than a bank holiday breakdown.
Book With Norwich Tyres & Auto Service
Need a hand from a real, independent Norwich garage? Call 07933 900901 or pop into Ber Street, NR1 3ES. Same-day tyre fitting is available on most common sizes, with free parking on site.
Hero image: “Packing a Prius with Ikea Stuff” by milele (source), licensed under CC BY.