THIS EASTER, HAVE A LOOK UNDER THE BONNET
04 April 2007 - IAM Institute of Advanced Motorists

The Easter Bank Holiday traditionally sees a major strain on the roadsnetwork with an estimated 350,000 vehicles an hour taking to the roadsat peak times

With the spring rush to get away, though, comes a rash of breakdowns,
which can not only spoil the family holiday but contribute to additional
congestion. Lanes are taken out with stranded vehicles and recovery
trucks. And unexpected queues with stranded cars at the head can cause
potentially dangerous pinchpoints.

Breakdown organisations point out that many of these are avoidable, with
the number one problem being over heating.

So if you don''t want to spend a chunk of the Easter break on the hard
shoulder - which is a particularly dangerous and unpleasant place to be
- the IAM, the UK''s leading advanced driving organisation, recommends
that you spend a few minutes under the bonnet before you set off.

This is all the more important is your car has not been serviced
recently.

''Dashboard indicators are useful but it is far better to nip a potential
problem in the bud before you set off on a long journey,'' said an IAM
spokesman.

Things worth a look include:

- Check your coolant. If it''s low, you have a potential leak problem
which is worth investigating before you go;

- Test your fan: it can go unused for months over winter, and seize up
with salt from the road. Let the engine idle for ten minutes to make
sure the fan ''kicks in'' as the engine heats up;

- Check and top up the windscreen reservoir, using a non-smear liquid
(not washing-up liquid);

- Check the oil; a top up can reduce the possibility of the engine
seizing; and

- Visually check the brake fluid and power steering (if you have it)
levels to make sure there has been no leakage.

When you have finished under the bonnet, walk round the car and look at
the tyres for damage or underinflation. Remember to check the pressures
when they are cold (not when you are already en route), and not
forgetting the spare (best looked at before you load up!). And lastly
try the lights: are all the bulbs working?

For advice on driving techniques to avoid problems on the road this
Easter, visit the IAM at iam.org.uk.

www.iam.org.uk

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