5 essential checks to get your car road-trip ready this bank holiday

Planning a bank holiday trip? These five quick car checks can help you avoid breakdowns, save money, and keep your journey safe and stress-free.

Bank holiday weekends are among the busiest periods on UK roads, with millions of leisure journeys expected as drivers head off on day trips and short breaks. In fact, RAC research shows around 39% of UK drivers intend to take to the road for a getaway from this Friday through to Monday, with Saturday likely to see the heaviest traffic, with more than 4 million journeys expected.

With the Early May Bank Holiday just around the corner, you’re more likely to face busier roads, longer journey times, and the risk of a breakdown spoiling your long weekend.

The good news is that this doesn’t have to happen. A pre-drive car check can make all the difference between a smooth getaway and an unwanted roadside delay. Here are five quick things you can do.

1. Tyres: your first line of safety

The weather in May can be unpredictable, with sunshine one moment and rain the next – so it’s important to make sure your tyres are in good condition and keep you safe and stable on the road.

Before you travel:

• Check pressure (including the spare, if you have one)
• Look for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear
• Make sure tread depth is legal (1.6mm) and safe

Even slightly under-inflated tyres can increase your fuel use and shorten driving range in electric cars, as well as affecting braking performance and grip. That’s especially important during bank holiday traffic, where wet spring roads can quickly reduce control and safety.

2. Oil and vital fluids

Long bank holiday drives can bring a mix of driving conditions – from steady motorway runs to slower rural roads – sometimes in warmer spring weather than earlier in the year.

So, before you set off, it’s worth checking a few key fluids:

• Engine oil: Make sure it’s at the right level for a smooth drive.
• Coolant: This is especially important as temperatures rise and engines work harder in traffic.
• Brake fluid: Check if it’s within the recommended level – these recommendations differ between make and model, and can be found in your owner’s manual.

Keeping these fluids topped up is one of the simplest ways to help avoid breakdowns this bank holiday weekend.

3. Battery health

Although the weather this time of year is milder, batteries can still struggle after a stop-start winter of short journeys and intermittent use. With bank holiday travel often involving early starts or heavy traffic delays, any weakness can quickly show up.

Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

• Slow engine turnover
• Flickering dashboard lights
• Electrical glitches or lagging systems

If your battery is more than a few years old, a quick test before the weekend can save you from being stuck in queueing traffic with a non-starting car.

4. Lights, indicators and visibility

Yes, it may be getting warmer, but you know what the UK weather is like – sudden rain showers can pop up at any time, sometimes even within a single journey. And on busy roads this bank holiday, clear communication and visibility matter even more.

Here are a few things to check:

• Headlights (full beam and dipped)
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Hazard lights

Remember that spring pollen, dust, and road grime can also dull your car’s headlight lenses, so a quick wipe can noticeably improve brightness and safety.

5. Windscreen, wipers and washer system

May is classic “four seasons in a day” weather, and motorway spray from heavy traffic can make visibility drop fast.

Make sure to do the following:

• Wipers clear the screen cleanly without smearing
• Washer jets are fully working
• Screen wash is topped up (you’ll likely use more than expected in mixed conditions)

Sudden showers followed by low sun glare can be a tricky combination – clean glass and effective wipers make a big difference.

Plan ahead to avoid peak stress

All in all, early May bank holiday traffic is among the busiest of the spring, with congestion often building from late morning as leisure trips and weekend getaways overlap.

Setting off early or later in the evening can help you avoid the worst of the queues. Combine this with the five car checks above, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of a smooth, stress-free journey.

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