Holiday checklist – before you go
Direct Line Car Insurance
Time to plan your next family holiday? There is a lot to organise before you head off on your trip. First, you need to decide where to go. Once you have that sorted, you need to book the hotel and book leave from work and then of course, you need to pack. If you have children, you will need to pack for them also. Sounds like a lot of work for a holiday.
If you decide to take a driving holiday, whether in the UK or Europe, you and your car need to be prepared as much as possible. Safety is paramount and driving long distances can expose you to a number of problems from traffic jams to different road rules in EU countries. Two things you should do before you leave British soil is check that your car insurance policy covers you for driving abroad and take your car in for a service. If your car has not had a recent service, the useful checklist below will help you ensure your car is good for travel.
Check your fluid levels
Check oil, water, anti-freeze and wash fluid to ensure they are at the right levels. Each fluid plays a vital part in ensuring that your car drives smoothly and safely.
• If you do not have enough oil in your car, you may not make it to your destination• Water prevents your car from overheating• Anti-freeze will keep your engine from freezing if you are going on a winter holiday• Last but by no means least; wash fluid keeps your front and rear windscreens clear.
Identify any potential problem areas
If your brakes seem spongy or your steering is wobbly, get it checked out before you leave. In fact, get any area of your car that concerns you checked out.
Tyres
Tread
The tread on your tyres should be at least 1.6mm – the legal minimum. Any tyre less than 1.6mm should be replaced. If any of your tyres are close to the 1.6mm limit, you should consider changing them before you go on holiday.
Pressure
Check the pressure in your tyres before you go and on your trip. Your car manual should give you the correct tyre pressure for your tyres. Passengers and luggage can affect your tyre pressure so make sure you check it occasionally while you are away.
Lights
Check that all your lights work including front, side and rear, and your indicators.
Washers and wipers
Washers and wipers do an important job keeping your windscreen clean and clear. If your wiper blades are worn or showing signs of damage, replace them before you leave.
Just in case
It is better to be safe than sorry especially if you are a long way from home. Take a few spares with you including oil, water and anti-freeze. Check that your spare tyre is in good condition and that you have a jack in the car.
If you are driving abroad, different countries have their own regulations about what spare parts you must take in the car with you. Some countries state that you must have a full set of replacement bulbs, headlight beam deflectors for night driving and a warning triangle in case you break down. To find out exactly what you need in the countries you are driving through visit http://www.motoring-into-europe.co.uk. Are you insured?
Car insurance is something you should not leave home without. For complete peace of mind on your holiday, make sure you have adequate car insurance before you leave. You also have the added option of emergency breakdown cover. Most car insurance companies offer quick and easy car insurance quotes online. For a car insurance quote and more information about the types of car insurance available visit Direct Line Car Insurance.
For all of your car insurance needs why not visit Direct Line today, after all online car insurance is what they do!
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