Seven checks on your car before an Easter bank holiday trip – and you could save up to £300

IF you’re one of the millions out on the road this Easter, make sure your car is ready for the trip to avoid costly commuting fees.

The RAC forecasts that 17 million private car journeys will be made over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

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This increase in traffic is expected to result in an 18% increase in average call volume for roadside assistance.

If you don’t have roadside assistance, calling roadside assistance can cost you up to £300 if your car needs to be towed Which?.

Green Flag experts advise motorists to give their car a thorough check before embarking on a long journey.

Damon Jowett, Green Flag’s director of customer, roadside and network services, said: “Easter may mark the first time since Christmas that some people have been driving long-distance.

“The last thing anyone wants is to have their Easter vacation delayed or ruined by car problems, so it’s worth doing these basic checks before you head out.”

This includes that the tire pressure is at the required level and that oil and water have been topped up.

Here are seven checks to do on your car before you head out on your Easter trip and potentially save hundreds of pounds.

Walk around the car

It may sound simple, but simply walking around the car looking for signs of potential problems can save you a big bill.

This could be flat tires or lamps that need to be replaced.

You can often fix a flat tire simply by replacing it with the spare tire in your car.

However, if the puncture was caused by a puncture, you can use tire sealant to make a temporary repair.

Keep a can of sealant in your car in case you need to patch your tire.

You can then inflate it again and be on your way.

Do you have regular service

It’s important to ensure your car is in the best possible condition by booking a regular service.

You can use specialized comparison sites to see how much servicing a car can cost.

A site like bookmygarage.com allows you to compare prices for MoTs and maintenance at nearby garages before you book online.

Check your tires

No fewer than six green flag callouts relate to tire or wheel problems.

Just being able to check your tire pressure can help you avoid a costly workshop visit and extend tire life.

Check your car’s manual or the sticker in the door frame to see if the correct pressure is given for your tire.

Tires have their own built in tread wear indicators but this can also be checked with a 20p coin.

If the outer band of the coin is visible when you place the coin in the groove between the treads, it means they are under-worn and the tires need to be replaced.

You can use the air pump at a gas station to get the right pressure.

Check all fluid levels

Make sure you check your windshield washer level before you set off.

If you drive without washer fluid you can face a £100 fine.

It is also classified as an illegal offense if you are caught without one.

There is a plastic reservoir under the hood of your car that stores fluid for your windshield wipers.

Pull your hood release lever, open it and place the brace in place to hold it in place.

The container usually has a windbreak symbol on the lid.

Once you’ve located the washer fluid reservoir, you should be able to see through the reservoir to see how much water is left.

Most car manufacturers have a minimum level specified on the vehicle’s washer tanks.

It’s also a good idea to carry window cleaner with you, just in case.

Make sure you have fuel

To ensure you arrive safely at your destination, you should plan your fuel stops in advance.

This is especially important if you are going on a long journey at Easter that will require you to refuel your vehicle.

If you drive an electric vehicle, make sure your car is fully charged before driving.

It’s also a good idea to find charging points along the route so you’re fully prepared for your trip.

Hold your Phone battery charged

It’s easy to forget, but make sure to charge your phone a few hours before your trip in case of an emergency.

You should also consider packing a portable charger in case you run out of juice before you arrive at your destination.

In the event of a breakdown, using a car charger without the engine running can quickly drain a car battery.

But remember, if you’re caught using your mobile phone while driving – meaning making a call or texting – you risk a fine of up to £1,000.

Get roadside assistance

Roadside assistance is available to ensure you are covered and can get help in the event of a problem with your car.

It offers peace of mind and gives you the assurance that in the event of a breakdown, someone can quickly come to you to fix your car en route or take you and your car to a convenient location to be repaired.

If you don’t have puncture protection, your only choice is to call a towing company and pay to be towed to a local garage, and the costs will soon add up.

Use comparison sites to help you find breakdown protection.

And don’t try just one comparison site either, as each offers different deals.

Major firms include Confused.com, Compare The Market, MoneySupermarket and Gocompare.

In the meantime, we unveil ten frugal driving tips that can save motorists hundreds of pounds a year.

Plus, here’s how you Increase the value of your engine around £1,000.

Do you have a money problem that needs clarification? Contact us by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk