Five essential checks for drivers going on staycations

With Brits soon able to go on staycations around the country, many will be about to embark on long-distance car journeys for the first time in many months. However, before they take to the roads, it’s important that motorists conduct a number of basic checks to ensure their car is safe.

Vehicles that have not been used for long periods of time can sometimes develop dangerous issues and faults, such as locked breaks and damaged tyres, and even if nothing appears to be wrong with the car, motorists should be cautious when using their car for a long journey for the first time in months.

To help drivers ensure their car is roadworthy as lockdown restrictions are eased and UK hotels and holiday sites re-open, Euro Car Parts has compiled a list of five things to check before returning to the wheel.

Check the battery

When cars are unused for a long period of time, it’s likely that the battery will lose charge due to remaining idle. Before getting back on the road again, you will need to ensure that the battery is fully charged and in good condition.

Firstly, physically inspect the battery to check that there isn’t any damage to the wiring or signs of corrosion on the terminals. Once you have done this, you’ll need to check that it is still holding its charge. This can be done by using a car battery tester. If you don’t have a battery tester or you’re unsure what to do, then visiting your local independent garage is the best course of action.

Before embarking on a car journey a couple of hours long, you’re best making sure that your first journey is 20-30 minutes long, as this will allow the alternator to fully charge the battery. It’s also recommended to use things that consume power, such as the radio or air conditioning, as little as possible at first.

Check the tyres

If a car has been resting in the same place for a long time, the parts of the tyre in contact with the floor may have become deformed, cracked or damaged.

You will need to inspect the tyres before driving again, so look for signs of bulging, as well as flat spots, cracking and damage to the wall of the tyre. If you notice any damage to your tyres, you should fit a temporary wheel and drive to your local garage for a replacement.

You’ll also need to check that the tyre’s air pressure is within the levels specified in the car manual. This can be done using a tyre pressure gauge, which can be used at home or at your nearest petrol station.

Refill the fluids

Vehicle fluid levels, including windscreen wash, brake fluid, coolant and engine oil, may have reduced while your car has been inactive, so you’ll need to check that they are all topped up. If you’re unsure of the correct level, check the owner’s handbook.

You should also conduct a visual check to ensure that there are no signs of fluids leaking underneath the car. Additionally, keep an eye out for any damage or foreign objects under the bonnet. It sounds unlikely but rodents can sometimes make a nest in a car and can cause damage to the wiring.

Test the brakes

When left unused, a car’s brakes may start to seize up, and in some cases, they can begin to corrode, so it’s vitally important that you drive very cautiously and avoid high speeds on your first journey. The brakes may not be as responsive as they were on the last drive and they will take time to return to normal, so driving with caution should be exercised.

Begin your journey by pulling away slowly and safely. You can then start to pick up the speed but continue to drive slowly until you’re certain that braking has returned to normal. If you notice any issues, you should consult your local independent garage as soon as possible.

Air out the car

A very simple task, but an important one, nonetheless. When you use your car for the first time in a while, you’ll want to air it out to get rid of any unpleasant smells that have built up. This is especially true if you accidentally left any rubbish or food in the car before locking it away.

Simply open the vehicle’s doors for a few minutes to let the musty air escape. It’s important to state that you should not leave your car unsupervised with the doors open and under no circumstances should you leave the keys in the car while doing this.

Colin Cottrell, Marketing & Central Operations Director at Euro Car Parts, said: “Many people across the country will be returning to their cars after long periods of inactivity, and it’s only natural that some vehicles will take time to return to normal.

“The number one rule when taking a car out of long-term storage is to be extremely cautious. Visual and physical checks should be conducted where possible before getting behind the wheel, and you should drive slowly and carefully until you’re absolutely sure that the car is back to normal.”

For cars in need of a bit of TLC and maintenance coming out of the lockdown, click here for a range of products such as batteries and engine oil: https://www.eurocarparts.com/