SOME NOT BOTHERED: UK drivers urged to complete vital vehicle checks before heading abroad

A recent survey conducted by the RAC has revealed concerning trends among UK drivers travelling to Europe, with many neglecting crucial car maintenance checks before setting off.

A quarter of drivers admitted they don’t bother checking their vehicle’s coolant levels before a trip. Coolant plays a vital role in regulating a car’s temperature, a task made even more critical in hot weather. While 25% said they occasionally monitor these levels, over half claimed they routinely check before most journeys.

Oil checks, another essential maintenance task, are also being overlooked. The survey found that 20% of motorists skip this check entirely before a long journey, and 24% only do so occasionally. However, 56% of drivers reported that they regularly check their vehicle’s oil before hitting the road.

When it comes to tyres, drivers appeared more cautious. Nearly 70% of those surveyed ensure their tyres are inflated to the correct pressure before driving abroad, and 67% regularly inspect their tyres for good tread and damage. Alarmingly, though, 9% confessed they either don’t know or never check tyre pressure, while 11% are equally unaware or negligent about the condition of their tyres.

These findings highlight a concerning gap in basic vehicle maintenance among UK drivers travelling in Europe, with many putting themselves and others at unnecessary risk.

RAC Europe spokesman Rod Dennis said: “The positive news is that even in countries where the roads appear to be better, most drivers are being diligent with essential vehicle checks and making sure their tyres are in good shape. However, it’s also very important to have a look at your vehicle’s oil and coolant levels as both can lead to catastrophic breakdowns, something no one ever wants, especially when on holiday in Europe.

“With a fifth of drivers telling us they never check if they’ve got the right level of breakdown cover for their trip, we encourage anyone driving to Europe this summer to ensure they’ve got the correct policy to cover them if something unexpected happens to their vehicle.

“And, if you’re hiring a car abroad, it’s also well worth taking out car hire excess insurance as rental firms charge thousands if it gets damaged or stolen.”