Holiday motorists 'failing to make adequate checks'

Many motorists choosing to take their cars abroad this summer do not know what to check for before they set out on their journey, a new report has revealed.

Although it may not seem neccessary, making regular checks on your car can decrease your chances of being in an accident abroad, as will as reduce your insurance bill.

Oil company Castrol found that 1.5 million Britons are planning to drive abroad next year, yet only 14 per cent say they have a "vague idea" of what they should be checking on their car before they go.

The firm noted that 18 per cent of breakdowns are caused by engine faults, many of which are down to the driver failing to carry out regular car "health checks" such as maintaining the correct level of oil.

Additionally, Castrol found that half of breakdowns are caused by neglect, poor vehicle maintenance or driver error - which could lead to many motorists having to claim on their car insurance.

Experts advise that you perform thorough checks of your vehicle before you go away, either on your own or profesionally. Checking tyre pressure, wheel tread and other "car excersises" will not only reduce the chance of being in an accident abroad, it could also lower the cost of your premium as your insurer will see you are taking measures to be safe abroad.

Last month, TyreSafe reported that close to a quarter of cars and vans do not have tyres which meet the legal requirements for at least 1.6mm of tread across 75 per cent of the tyre's width, Easier reports.

The company advised motorists to replace defective tyres, as well as checking for stones or other objects in the tread.