Make sure your car is in the best possible condition to avoid holidays being ruined
With the credit crunch squeezing family budgets and some reports suggesting caravan sales are on the rise, evidence suggests more and more people are potentially looking to holiday in the UK this year.
A national campaign is being launched to help motorists avoid a ‘holiday horror show’ as they gear up for the summer getaway. The UK-wide Good Garage Scheme has unveiled a 21-point Summer ‘Holiday Check’ for its 2,710 independent member workshops and garages to help keep their customers’ vehicles free from trouble during the holiday season.
The Holiday Check covers checking engine oil, brakes, coolant system, tyres and tyre pressure, windscreens, wipers, and lights with a further critical check of air conditioning systems.
Good Garage Scheme experts said that it is more important than ever for motorists to make sure their cars are in the best possible condition to avoid their holidays being ruined because of failure to check something quite simple.
Phil Dugmore, technical manager of the Good Garage Scheme, said: “With more people looking to stay in the UK for a holiday this year, more often than not their vehicles become a vital part of their break. All too often though, motorists run into trouble because they have failed to carry out simple checks on their vehicles. For example, if you are towing a caravan or have a boot full of luggage it is essential to look at tyre pressure to make sure you are driving safely. It is also very important to check lights are working properly, including trail lights.
“Power steering fluid and brake fluid is also another area to look at, especially when you consider how much more work the brakes need to do with the additional weight on board. Statistics have shown that one in three vehicles needs brake fluid changing while around 3.5 million motorists in the UK are driving on illegal tyres. These are all potential problems that can be avoided, making sure motorists are driving safe vehicles that are less likely to wreck their family holidays.”
Good Garage Scheme members are being provided with tools to promote the campaign to their local customers, including point-of-sale posters and checklist pads.
Phil added: “The Holiday Check will enable our membership to give motorists expert advice on the condition of their vehicles and rectify any problems that are identified. By checking for problems before the holiday season starts, our members will aim to make sure motorists and their families enjoy a trouble free summer holiday.”
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Related categories: Car repairs and servicing
