The bank holiday weekend has arrived, and many families are taking to the roads for staycations. While the weekend promises to be filled with excitement, motorists are being encouraged to pause and carry out vital safety checks before embarking on any trips.
Three Essential Checks for a Safe Journey
According to the RAC, there are three checks every motorist should tick off before travelling for the bank holiday. One of the RAC's experts outlined the list in a Facebook video, offering tips for holidaymakers travelling by car.
In the video, a driver asked: "Hey Nick. What are three things I should check on my car before travelling this bank holiday?" Nick replied: "So first of all, check the tyres, make sure the condition of the tyres is okay, and your pressures are okay."
"Check your coolant level, make sure it's at the correct level, and your oil level as well. Make sure that is also the correct level."
Nick added: "If you do find any concerns with a vehicle, you can always call one of our mobile mechanics. They'll come and check the vehicle on your driveway just before you go away."
Why These Checks Matter
In the caption, RAC highlighted the importance of the checks. The post read: "Hitting the roads this bank holiday? Before you set off, here are three quick car checks to help keep your journey smooth, safe and road trip ready."
While these checks are important whenever you travel, the RAC points out that long distances and extra weight from luggage and passengers can put a bigger strain on your car. Motorists will therefore want to ensure they complete all necessary checks before any summer road trips.
Additional Packing Tips
For those seeking further guidance, the RAC website also provides a list of essential items to pack for a road trip. These include any necessary documents, a sat nav, loose change, a first-aid kit, a torch, and food and drink. In hot weather, it is also advisable to bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare.
Additional items worth packing include toiletries such as hand gel and wet wipes, as well as music and travel games to keep passengers entertained. The RAC states: "For a smooth and safe drive, it’s important to maintain an even weight distribution throughout the vehicle."
"Place the heaviest items towards the centre of the vehicle and the larger items towards the back. Don’t pack items above the headrest level. Items here restrict rear visibility and, under braking, can fly forward and hit passengers."
Busiest Weekend in Two Years
According to the RAC, the May bank holiday weekend is set to be the busiest on the roads in two years. Almost 19 million Brits are expected to hit the road this weekend, making these checks even more critical to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
