As the August bank holiday approaches, Green Flag Motoring Assistance is gearing up for an inevitably busy weekend, and offers motorists some timely advice to avoid having a breakdown or getting in a jam. Last August bank holiday Green Flag responded to almost 15,000 calls for help, mostly caused by battery problems and minor accidents. The busiest time was between 9am and 10am on Tuesday August 31, when Green Flag attended over 300 incidents in just one hour as people returned to work.
The majority of breakdowns are caused by poor car maintenance, and a few checks before setting off can minimise the risk of any motoring mishaps that could scupper a fun family day out. Green Flag recommends checking the following before setting off on a long journey:
- Have the car battery checked at a local garage, as battery problems are the number one cause of breakdowns
- Check the tyre pressure and tread depth. The minimum legal limit is 1.6mm.
- Ensure all lights are working inside and outside the car, and give external ones a clean to ensure good visibility
- Check the oil and water and top up if necessary
- Make sure the screen washer bottle is topped up
- Check wiper blades are in good condition with no tears or cracks
- Fill up the fuel tank and keep an eye on the gauge to ensure there is enough fuel for the journey.
Motorists going on long distance journeys this bank holiday are advised to avoid driving between 10am and 12 noon when it's most busy, and check the local travel news to keep abreast of any last minute hiccups. Drivers heading off to unfamiliar places can plan their route using a free online routeplanner at www.greenflag.com
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