By Eric White
GREEN Flag have issued advice to drivers after they predicted over 31,000 will breakdown during the bank holiday weekend.
The national breakdown provider predicts that battery problems, punctures or ‘engine faults’
will be the biggest causes of misery for people on the roads.
A staggering 7,500 flat or faulty batteries are expected to cause drivers havoc over the weekend, with one puncture per minute to take place on Britain’s roads.
Green Flag has revealed this data with the hope of encouraging people to check their cars before they travel to avoid breakdowns.
Nick Reid, head of rescue at Green Flag, said: “The majority of these breakdowns are avoidable if people take the time to check their cars and ensure everything is in working order.
“It’s better to take preventative action before you set off than add delays to your holiday with an unwanted breakdown.”
Green Flag has prepared hints and tips on how to avoid and prepare for breakdowns before you set off on the road:
1. WALK AROUND THE CAR and look for any signs of potential trouble, especially tyres and lights.
2. CHECK TYRE PRESSURES, spare included.
3. CHECK ALL FLUID LEVELS (including oil and water levels) and top up if necessary.
4. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE BREAKDOWN COVER. If you’re travelling abroad make sure your cover extends to your trip away. If it doesn’t, you may need to arrange separate cover.
5. KEEP A ROAD MAP IN THE CAR so you’ll be able to explain where you are when you call for help. Don’t rely on the map on your phone – you won’t always have signal.
6. KEEP SOME COINS OR A PHONECARD IN THE CAR in case you need to call for help and there’s no mobile phone signal.
7. MAKE SURE YOUR PHONE BATTERY IS TOPPED UP – think about buying an in-car charger just in case you need it.
8. HAVE THE NUMBER FOR YOUR EMERGENCY BREAKDOWN PROVIDER HANDY – you’ll usually find it on your policy certificate so you could keep this in the glove box.
9. CARRY A RED WARNING TRIANGLE at all times.
10.ALWAYS KEEP SOME WARM CLOTHES, A RUG AND SOME CHOCOLATE IN THE CAR in case you get stuck in cold conditions for a long time.
For more information about how to make sure your car is road-ready visit www.greenflag.com
A full set of hints and tips can be found here: http://www.greenflag.com/help/drivingguide-what-to-do-in-a-breakdown
