HOW TO AVOID MOTOR BREAKDOWNS OVER THE EASTER HOLIDAY

Last year’s Easter break saw a record number of over 21 million drivers hitting the road for the spring getaway, the busiest Easter weekend since 2014.

This Easter is set to be another busy weekend with up to 15 million vehicle trips a day, which are expected to peak on Saturday 8^th April, with Easter Monday predicted as the quietest day with an estimated 12.5 million vehicles.

This year, chaos, with recent rail and tube strikes combined with flight cancellations, will drive many Brits to take to the road this Easter. So, with more travellers on the road than usual, it’s important to prepare your vehicle and avoid any unnecessary breakdowns.

Check your treads

In 2022, almost 42,000 motor breakdowns resulted from issues with tyres. By doing an easy, basic self-check of your car, breakdowns from tyre issues can be avoided. Simply checking your tyres treads and pressure before heading off on your trip can prevent a breakdown and avoid holiday blues for you and your family.

Flat-lining

Most vehicle batteries have a guarantee of three to five years, so if your vehicle battery is within that range, get it properly checked before taking your trip. You can extend your battery life by turning off lights, indicators etc., when not in use, and not letting the vehicle idle for long periods.

Brake life

Not only do faulty brakes put you and your passengers at risk, other drivers around you are also potentially in harm’s way. Signs that your brakes are not operating properly include your steering wheel shaking when you drive, your car pulling to one side, and brake pedals that offer no resistance or feel spongy.

Fuel up

Ensuring there is enough fuel in your vehicle can provide peace of mind if you get stuck in traffic due to the higher than usual number of vehicles on the road.

Keep cool

A common cause of motor incidents is overheating. It’s easy for cars to overheat, which can lead to a breakdown so it’s vital to be aware of your vehicle’s cooling system.

One way to avoid overheating is to park in the shade and out of the sun, and to use windscreen sunshades if you do have to park in the sun. It’s also a good idea to carry an extra bottle of coolant in your vehicle so that you‘re prepared in the event of an overheating breakdown.

Easter is a time to celebrate with loved ones, so arriving to your destination safely is of the utmost importance. It’s vital to understand and implement extra steps to avoid motor breakdowns, especially with more vehicles than usual on the road.

In the unfortunate event that you do experience a motor breakdown, Arc Legal’s holistic package of solutions can help ensure your Easter getaway hops back onto track. From roadside call-outs, to recovery and repatriation, our Motor Breakdown insurance also covers customers with non-standard vehicles, including horse boxes, larger vehicles, trailers and electric vehicles. To find out more please contact your Partnerships Manager or email enquiries@arclegal.co.uk.