The late May bank holiday is upon us, with millions of drivers hitting the road to enjoy the impending heatwave descending on the nation. Specialists at comparison website Carwow are urging drivers to carry out some essential checks beforehand to ensure they do not waste any fuel at a time when prices are high.
Check Your Tyres
Consumer writer Siobhan Doyle said: "The weather in May can be unpredictable, with sunshine one moment and rain the next. So it is important to make sure your tyres are in good condition and keep you safe and stable on the road." Regarding tyre checks, she added: "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 is especially important during bank holiday traffic, where wet spring roads can quickly reduce control and safety."
Inspect Your Battery
Next is batteries, to which the specialist added: "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. Key warning signs to watch out for are slow engine turnover, flickering dashboard lights and electrical glitches or lagging systems."
Test All Lights
Ms Doyle continued: "On busy roads this bank holiday, clear communication and visibility matter even more, so make sure you check your headlights – both full beam and dipped, your brake lights, indicators and hazards. And 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."
Plan Your Journey
As for her final recommendation: "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 will give yourself the best chance of a smooth, stress-free journey."
