Don't Let Car Trouble Ruin Your Holiday

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the Institute of Advance Motoring (IAM) for sending along the following advice for drivers setting off on a summer holiday.
 

This year, as you prepare to drive to the airport – as well as making the usual checks for your passport, flight tickets and travel insurance, spare some time to check your vehicle is ready for the journey too. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way.

You should do a thorough check of your vehicle before the big day, including fluid levels, tyres, mirrors and windows – you’ll be on a tight schedule on the day, so the last thing you need is a breakdown.

Make sure you check your luggage packed into the boot of your vehicle. If you do need to put some belongings on the back seats, make sure they do not obstruct your view out of the rear window and secure them in place before setting off.

Leave in plenty of time – if you feel rushed on your way to the airport then you are likely to make silly mistakes or even creep over the speed limit.

Plan your route to the airport the day before, and check travel reports for any disruption or road closures before you set off.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before you travel to ensure you’re alert from the very beginning of the journey. And if you have to travel a good distance to get to the airport, leave enough time to schedule in a rest stop to fight the onset of fatigue.

When parking up at the airport, try to find an area which is not too crowded – the fewer cars around you, the less chance there is of someone clipping your vehicle with their luggage. Nobody wants to return from a relaxing holiday to a damaged vehicle.

The last thing you need on the day you start your holiday is unwanted stress from a lack of preparation and a shortage of time. Preparing yourself and your vehicle before the big day and setting off nice and early will remove the obstacles to you taking full advantage of Duty Free.

Enjoy your holiday.

Four days of bad weather result in claims exceeding £3 million

The snow encountered by the motoring public which began toward the end of last week was predicted to have a costly economic effect. 

Millions of workers were unable to reach their workplaces on time (if at all) due to the resultant road congestion. Public transport services were stifled. Those reliant on them for their commute to work plus those who drive were badly affected with many motorists experiencing car breakdowns or road blockages due to cars being stuck in the snow.

It led motoring organisations such as The Highways Agency and the RAC to advise motorists to avoid any non-essential travel but not all motorists were fazed by the poor weather and braved the elements.

Few could have predicted how many accidents and car insurance claims would result from it however. The AA’s car insurance team have released claims figures measured in a four day period from18th-21st January, a staggering 45% of which were as a result of the inclement weather at that time. In total, several hundred claims were received by the organisation with the total value of those claims being in excess of £3 million and affecting an estimated seven thousand vehicles.

Causes blamed for this include poor visibility from cars whose drivers have not removed insufficient amounts of ice and snow before starting journeys.
 
The AA’s car insurance director, Simon Douglas advised: “Good visibility is important at all times and especially so when the weather is poor. Pedestrians can slip off icy pavements while other vehicles can make unpredictable movements. You need the greatest opportunity to see what’s happening around you. People who drive around in cars that could be mistaken for an igloo are accidents waiting to happen. Not only can they see little of their surroundings but chunks of snow and ice fly off as they drive, posing a serious risk to pedestrians and other drivers.”

This was highlighted by the recent example of the Audi-driving motorist pictured driving down the M4 motorway with only a small section of the windscreen cleared. For the article containing an image of the vehicle, by Alistair Potter of Metro.co.uk please see here.

Rule 229 of The Highway Code states:

Before you set off
•    You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows
•    You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
•    Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly
•    Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
•    Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted

New tablet for Christmas? Lucky you!

The figures have not yet been published but all stock levels indicate it was quite a Christmas for tablets. If you have been lucky enough to receive one or have treated yourself to a new iPad, iPad mini, Google Nexus or Windows tablet, you will now have access to the wonderful world of apps.

There are now millions of apps to choose from and the list is growing each week. If you haven't done so already, why not download the Good Garage Scheme's Free App. Over 10,000 motorists have already downloaded it, and it was awarded one of the Sunday Times' "Top Apps in the World" in 2011 and 2012.

The app allows you to search for a Good Garage Scheme member near you the next time you need someone to repair or service your car. Simply type your postcode or town name and a list will appear with reviews from previous customers and details about the garage.

Visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com for more information

Drivers - Get Ready for Shorter Days

On Sunday, the clocks turn back an hour – winter will officially arrive. As the days become shorter, we’ll be experiencing dark mornings and evenings.
 
Darker evenings also see the road casualty rates increase. Here are some frightening facts from 2011:

• The number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured in November was 14 per cent more than the monthly average.
• The number of cyclist casualties was 5 per cent higher.
• The rate of motorcycle casualties per vehicle mile was 28 per cent higher.

 
While the more vulnerable road users are at a significantly higher risk, cars on the road are also at risk. That’s why it’s important to take extra precautions when driving at night. Driving in the dark is a different experience to driving in the daylight. So keep an eye out for the motorcyclist in the darker clothing. Speed is difficult to judge while the following distances of other vehicles can be hard to see with a wall of headlights shining back at you.

Here’s some advice on adjusting your driving to the shorter days ahead.

• Turn your headlights on before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so that it’s easier for other drivers to see you in twilight. 
• It’s also important to make sure all your exterior lights are cleaned and working properly.  
• Keep the windscreen free of fallen leaves
• Make sure your windscreen and windows are clean both inside and out.

 
Make the most of other people’s lights – use the light shed by vehicles ahead or from roadside lights – not just street lights – to help you see further ahead.
On rural roads, drive on full beam whenever possible but dip your lights when faced with another road user to avoid dazzling them. If a driver approaching you fails to dip their own headlights, look away to the verge on the left-hand side to avoid being dazzled yourself. And make the most of other people’s lights – use the light shed by vehicles ahead or from roadside lights - not just street lights - to help you see further ahead.
 

If you are not sure if your car is in tip top condition for winter driving, take your car to a local Good Garage Scheme member for a Winter Check. Visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com.



The Good Garage Scheme wishes to thank the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) for the above article. For more information about the IAM, please visit their website.