More than 21 million leisure journeys are expected to take place by car this weekend as the Easter school holidays begin across England, according to an RAC survey of drivers’ getaway plans.
Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April are expected to be the busiest days, with an estimated 3.4 million trips due to be made on each. This is 700,000 more than the 2.7 million journeys planned for both Thursday 3rd and Sunday 6th April, and nearly 1 million more than the 2.4 million expected on Monday 7th April. An additional 6.8 million journeys are expected to be staggered between Friday and Sunday, with drivers unsure exactly when they will hit the road.
The RAC is warning drivers to ensure their vehicles are road-ready to avoid becoming one of the many who experience a breakdown during the holidays. A quarter (25%) of drivers admitted to having suffered a vehicle breakdown while on holiday.
“A vehicle breakdown has no place on a holiday itinerary, so the more you can do to ensure your car is in the best possible condition before you go, the lower your chances of suffering one,” said RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson.
When asked about the reasons for their vehicle breaking down, 19% of drivers cited punctures, often caused by poor quality roads or heavily worn tyres. A further 15% experienced a ‘flat start’ to their getaway trips due to alternator and starter motor issues, while 13% were stranded by engine overheating. ECU faults and flat batteries were each responsible for 10% of holiday breakdowns, while 25% said they broke down for a variety of other reasons including low engine oil, issues with timing belts, faulty fuel systems, electrical and ignition problems, or broken windows and wipers.
“With a massive 21 million journeys expected this weekend, it’s more than likely that roads to popular holiday destinations will see their fair share of traffic,” said Simpson. “These are not only tiring to endure but increase fuel consumption significantly.
“In the worst-case scenario, riding the clutch in stop-start traffic can increase wear on its components and lead to premature failure. Also, in slow moving traffic, the airflow into the engine compartment is reduced and can cause overheating issues, especially in older vehicles or those with faulty cooling fans.”
She urged drivers to act now, with the Easter bank holiday weekend still a few weeks away. “Knowing the Easter bank holiday weekend is approaching in a few weeks, we’re advising drivers to use their time now wisely. If you’re in any doubt about the condition of your car or there’s an MOT advisory that needs addressing, it’s far better to book a service or repair in advance of your trip to minimise chances of a breakdown later,” she said.
“An RAC Mobile Mechanic can complete both of these on the driveway along with checking tyres and battery-related issues – some of the leading causes of holiday breakdowns. There’s no need to squeeze in a last-minute trip to the garage either as our mechanics come to you – at home or work.”
