GEM’s 10-minute checks that could save your holiday

• Carry out simple checks at home before you set off  
• Cut the risk of a breakdown and avoid unexpected repair bills  
• Make sure you have breakdown cover – or risk a £500-plus roadside recovery bill1 

Millions of families will be heading off on holiday in the car this summer, and breakdown provider GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to set aside 10 minutes before they travel for some simple checks that could prevent a breakdown and save their holiday.

A short investment of time at home can dramatically reduce the chances of delays, dangerous situations on fast roads and costly repairs far from home, says GEM.

Focus on four key areas: tyres, fluids, lights and load. 

• Check that tyre pressures are adjusted for the increased vehicle weight, ensure tread depth is legal, inspect for any visible damage and remember to check the spare tyre or repair kit as well.  
• Top up engine oil, coolant and screen wash to the correct levels, helping the car run efficiently and reducing the risk of overheating in heavy traffic or hot weather.  
• Walk around the car and make sure all lights work properly. Ask a family member or neighbour to help with brake lights and indicators. 
• Pack the car carefully so that luggage doesn’t obstruct your view, and secure loose items so they can’t hurt anyone if you have to stop suddenly.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “A holiday road trip should be something you look forward to, not a source of anxiety. Taking just 10 minutes to check your car before setting off is one of the easiest ways to protect your family and your wallet.

“Those few minutes can be the difference between arriving relaxed at your destination or spending hours on the hard shoulder waiting for help.”

Check you have breakdown cover: or risk a hefty bill

GEM is also urging drivers to make sure they have breakdown cover. Breaking down on a family holiday without it can be an expensive mistake. GEM’s figures show that a single long‑distance recovery from around 100 miles away can easily leave you facing a bill of about £500 – before you even begin to count the cost of hotels, taxis and repairs*. 

* Typical pay‑as‑you‑go recovery costs in the UK include:

• a call‑out and tow starting at around £75–£150 for a short distance, with longer recoveries quoted at £300–£450 for about 100 miles. 
• Per‑mile charges of roughly £1.50–£3.00 per mile are common once you get beyond the base distance, especially for out‑of‑hours recoveries or busy routes. 
• On that basis, a 200‑mile recovery could comfortably land in the £300–£600 bracket depending on time of day, vehicle type and who you end up calling.  
• That figure only covers getting the car moved; if the vehicle needs storage, daily charges of around £20 per day are typical at some compounds, and any hotel, taxi or onward‑travel costs for the family sit on top of that. 

Keep up to date with GEM Motoring Assist at:

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LinkedIn: @gem-motoring-assist

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