Break up for Christmas – don’t break down, says GEM

ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist says basic vehicle checks will help ensure you’re not left stranded at the roadside in this year’s big Christmas getaway.

GEM’s list of simple tips will help ensure you won’t be needing breakdown help this winter.

Simple actions before you set off, such as checking there’s fuel in your tank and air in your tyres, can help ensure you keep moving, according to GEM. Also, most battery failures and other electrical malfunctions can be prevented through routine checks and regular servicing.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst says: “Don’t wait for signs of car trouble before taking action, as it may be too late.

“We all know the roads will be busy over the holiday period, and the last thing anyone needs is to be stranded at the roadside. GEM wants everyone to get to where they want to go in safety, with as little extra stress as possible.

“That’s why a few minutes spent on a few basic vehicle checks really could pay dividends.

“If things do go wrong, then a good breakdown recovery policy is vital and will cost a lot less than the fee required for roadside help, especially on Christmas Day.

“We want everyone to have a safe and stress-free Christmas break. Basic maintenance checks minimise the risk of a breakdown and will make a big contribution to a happy holiday season for all the family.”

GEM’s tips for stress-free Christmas journeys are as follows:

• Ensure your car is serviced regularly. Our experts reckon that more than 50 per cent of breakdowns would not have occurred if the car had recently had a service.
• Be good to your battery. Cold weather puts an additional burden on it, so get it checked. Remember that batteries last an average of five years, so be ready to replace it if necessary.
• Check the pressure and tread on all your tyres, including the spare.
• Keep your screen wash topped up.
• Fill up with fuel before a journey, which should help you save money by avoiding the need for a pricey fill-up on the motorway. Aim to refill when the gauge drops to one quarter, in case you get stuck in a long traffic queue. Don’t wait for the fuel warning light to come on.
• Check your route for possible delays before you set off, and always have an alternative route planned.
• Finally, spread the cheer… no one likes sitting in traffic jams, but you can help defuse any seasonal tensions by small acts of kindness such as letting someone into the queue…