Car checks to avoid breakdowns this bank holiday

Heavy traffic and long journeys can put extra strain on your car this bank holiday weekend. These simple maintenance tips can help reduce the risk of breakdowns and keep your journey running smoothly. 

Bank holiday weekends are among the busiest times on UK roads, with millions of drivers heading off for staycations, day trips and family visits. Heavy traffic, stop-start driving and long motorway journeys can all put extra strain on your car, increasing the risk of breakdowns at exactly the wrong time.

The good news is that most breakdowns can be avoided with a few quick, simple checks before you set off. Just a few minutes of preparation could save you hours of delay on the roadside this bank holiday weekend.

Check your tyres

Tyres are one of the most common causes of breakdowns and roadside callouts.

Before setting off, make sure you:

• Check tyre pressures
• Inspect tyres for cuts, cracks or bulges
• Ensure tread depth is above the legal minimum

Incorrect tyre pressure can increase wear, reduce grip and make blowouts more likely during long journeys or heavy traffic.

Top up engine oil and coolant

Low oil or coolant levels can quickly lead to overheating, especially in slow-moving traffic.

Check:

• Engine oil levels
• Coolant levels
• Brake fluid
• Screen wash

Your engine works harder in heavy congestion, so keeping fluids topped up is one of the easiest ways to avoid mechanical issues.

Test your battery

Battery problems are one of the leading causes of breakdowns in the UK.

Warning signs include:

• Slow engine starts
• Dim lights
• Dashboard warning lights

If your battery is older or has struggled recently, consider getting it tested before travelling.

Check lights and electricals

Faulty lights can create safety risks and may indicate wider electrical issues.

Before your journey, test:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Hazard lights

Catching electrical faults early can help prevent bigger problems during your trip.

Replace worn wiper blades

Poor visibility can increase stress on drivers and make journeys more dangerous.

Make sure:

• Wiper blades clear the windscreen properly
• Screen wash is topped up
• The windscreen is clean inside and out

Heavy motorway spray and sudden rain showers are common during busy holiday travel periods, and summer bug splats can impact visibility too if not cleared away quickly.

Don’t ignore warning lights

Dashboard warning lights should never be ignored before a long trip.

Common warning signs include:

• Engine management lights
• Battery warnings
• Low oil pressure
• Coolant temperature alerts
• Tyre pressure alert

If a warning light appears before you travel, get the issue checked as soon as possible rather than risking a breakdown on the road.

Keep fuel or charge levels high

Running low on fuel or battery charge in heavy traffic can increase the chances of becoming stranded.

To reduce the risk:

• Fill up before setting off
• Avoid letting fuel drop too low
• Plan EV charging stops in advance
• Always have a backup

Bank holiday traffic can cause unexpected delays, especially on major motorways.

Carry breakdown essentials

Even well-maintained cars can experience problems, so it helps to be prepared.

Useful items include:

• Phone charger
• Drinking water
• Torch
• Jump leads
• Breakdown cover information

Having essentials in the car can make any unexpected delay safer and less stressful.

Many bank holiday breakdowns are avoidable with basic vehicle maintenance and preparation. Checking your tyres, fluids, battery and warning lights before you travel can significantly reduce the risk of problems during busy holiday traffic.

A few minutes spent preparing your car now could help you avoid hours waiting for roadside assistance later.

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