As the May bank holiday approaches and thousands of motorists will be taking to the road for weekend getaways, RAC has compiled a list of basic maintenance checks fleet motorists should ensure are performed on fleet cars before they go out on long journeys.

Steve Whitmarsh, senior partnership manager, RAC corporate partnership, said: “Fleet managers will be well aware that maintaining a fleet vehicle is important all year round, but especially so on long journeys. This is something which should be communicated to fleet drivers before they set off this weekend, as it is the responsibility of the fleet manager to inform drivers of proper maintenance. Ultimately, a breakdown over the bank holiday weekend will impact on the fleet manager as much as the driver.

“We constantly monitor the breakdown data we receive from our technicians to pinpoint what drivers can be doing to ensure they minimise the likelihood of a roadside breakdown. Using this data we have created a ten-point plan for fleet drivers to follow to make sure the car is properly maintained, and ensure a safe and problem-free drive this weekend.”

RAC is advising fleets to avoid disruption to travel plans this weekend by following simple maintenance checks:

  1. Check tyre pressure: Poorly inflated tyres put more strain on the engine and burn more fuel. The correct tyre pressure will be located somewhere on the car – either in the door, on the petrol cover or in the manual. Be careful not to over-inflate the tyres as there is a risk they may explode, and make sure the balance is right, or the car will pull to one side.
  2. Check engine fluid levels are topped up: Long journeys in hot weather will put strain on the engine, so make sure engine oil and coolants are filled to the optimal level.
  3. If your vehicle has a spare wheel, check that it is roadworthy: Punctured or deflated tyres are easily replaced at the roadside if a spare wheel is present, and will take much longer to fix if there’s no replacement to hand. If the car does have a spare wheel, load the car so that it is easy to get to. Increasing numbers of manufacturers now provide “get you home” inflation kits rather than a spare wheel. If you have one of these, check that the foam has not been used, and that the compressor is serviceable.
  4. Test the windscreen wipers and lights: Ensure the windscreen wipers are not damaged, as this will affect driving visibility if the weather turns. The windscreen wiper reservoir should be full. The law requires all lights to be clean and in good working order, so walk around the car and check them before you set off.
  5. Check the tyre tread: Worn away tread is dangerous as the tyres won’t grip the road properly. Deflated tyres can cause further damage to the wheel, and will pull to the side as you drive. Drivers can be fined £2,500 for each tyre that is below the legal tread limit, as well as receiving three penalty points.
  6. Ensure the vehicle is properly serviced: If the car is on the verge of needing a service, or has a problem that needs to be fixed, do so before starting a long journey this weekend.
  7. Check for European breakdown cover: Fleets may not have opted to take European breakdown cover, so drivers should check with their fleet manager or breakdown assistance provider before they leave the country. Personal or fleet cover is recommended, as breakdown costs can be higher in Europe, and there may be repatriation costs involved.
  8. Check that you comply with legislation when travelling abroad: Many drivers are not aware that they must carry certain documents with them when travelling on the continent. This could include a V5 registration document (or a vehicle on hire certificate), alongside the relevant insurance certificates. In addition to this documentation there is a list of other accessories that must be carried by law. These include warning triangles, spare bulbs, fire extinguishers and high visibility jackets. The requirements change by country, so always check before you travel.
  9.  Fill up the tank: RAC breakdown analysis data shows that running out of fuel is a relatively common fault. Plan the trip beforehand and check there are places to refuel along the way.
  10. Take comfort breaks: Drivers should leave a little earlier and incorporate short breaks into the journey every couple of hours. An emergency kit containing a breakdown triangle, a torch, a blanket, a mobile phone, a map, and breakdown cover details is also good idea should a breakdown occur.

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