Summer driving checklist

As many as 18.5 million people will be taking their car with them on holiday this summer, either to see a bit of the country en route to their destination or to spend quality time with family or friends.

But it’s not just a case of jumping in your car and shooting off into the sunset.

It’s understandable why we may easily forget about our cars in all the excitement. This is especially the case if we’re busy checking that we have all packed the right items in our cases and are strapped for time.

However, the time it takes to make little, but essential checks is nothing compared to the time lost if a car breaks down on holiday due to such negligence, so simple, pre-holiday checks are highly recommended.

It’s important to tick off some of the following precautions on your summer driving checklist whether you’re just popping to your nearest coastal resort or travelling across the Channel for a road trip in Europe:

• Check your tyre pressure and top up if it seems low. Extra luggage loads and more passengers will put additional strain on your tyres

• Make sure your oil, water, screenwash and brake fluid are all topped up

• As the mercury rises, problems with cooling systems become more common. To prevent overheating, ensure your engine coolant and fan are working correctly

• Even if you’re planning to use a sat-nav, you should still plan your journey to make sure you know exactly where you’re going. Check online to see if any traffic problems are likely to affect your route and consider finding a new one if necessary

• Check that your car boot has a warning triangle. This will come in useful in the unfortunate event that you break down and should be placed at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your car. It’s also compulsory to travel with one in France