Many Brit drivers are woefully ill-equipped to tackle a long summer road trip, according to new research by Skoda.
More than half of the 2,000 motorists polled by the Czech firm admit not bothering to check their car’s fluid levels (oil, radiator fluid, screen wash, etc), doing it less than once in every three months.
A worrying 5% don’t bother checking at all.
Almost a third (30%) ‘forget’ to check their tyre pressures before setting off on a big trip - despite the fact low tyre tread can lead to harrowing accidents as well as a fine of up to £2,500 per illegal tyre.
Perhaps most disturbing is the fact that 18% of the drivers surveyed have no roadside assistance in place, leaving them at greater risk of being stranded on the hard shoulder.
Don’t forget, when you lease a car with Select Car leasing, breakdown cover - as well as manufacturer's warranty and road tax - is included automatically.
Meanwhile those behind the wheel aren’t taking good care of their passengers, either, with 43% of drivers not packing extra water on long journeys, and 52% failing to carry a first aid kit.
In a bid to try and tackle the problems highlighted by the survey, Skoda has issued 8 top tips to make sure you’re road trip ready:
- Inflate tyres. Correctly inflated tyres means better fuel economy and a car that will accelerate, brake and turn as expected. Every Skoda features a Tyre Pressure Monitoring system and highlights the optimum tyre pressures for the car inside the fuel filler cap.
- Tread carefully. Not having the correct tyre tread depth puts you at risk of an accident and is illegal. It’s a simple check, and the Skoda ice scraper doubles up as a handy tyre tread checker, so no excuses!
- Pack high-visibility jackets. Although not a legal requirement in the UK, there’s no harm in keeping a number of high-vis jackets in the car just in case, to ensure that occupants are clearly visible to passing motorists in the event of a breakdown.
- Double check fluid levels. Ensure a car’s coolant, oil and washer fluid levels are correct to reduce your chances of a breakdown and being fined for having an empty screen wash bottle.
- Pack a first aid kit. Always useful to have on hand.
- Bring water. Dehydration can cause fatigue and a dip in concentration levels, so have enough water for everyone in the car. Pack enough that there is plenty extra in case of lengthy traffic jams.
- Check air conditioning. Skoda takes air conditioning technology seriously, testing in temperatures ranging from -40 to 60 degrees Celsius, but maintenance and system health is important. Before going away, ensure air conditioning doesn’t need re-gassing, and that it is used regularly even if it isn’t hot, as this will ensure the compressor and seals are well lubricated.
- Take regular breaks. Plan your journey ahead of time to so you can set off in good time and not rush, and add in a quick 15 minute break every two hours.
Here at Select, we’ve got a cracking deal on the Skoda Scala hatchback (below) right now, which you can enjoy from just £199 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 08/08/23.
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