As children across the county return to school, the AA has issued a safety warning to parents. The motoring organisation is calling for parents and carers to check their vehicles, especially if the car has been standing over the summer months.
The AA is expecting an increase in breakdowns as it says many second cars will be used for the first time in weeks and some drivers are likely to have left them parked up over the summer to avoid high fuel costs. It has stressed the need to ensure cars are in a roadworthy state saying many vehicles will need essential checks following a period of little to no use.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “Many busy parents will welcome the news of schools reopening after a busy summer, but with that comes the return of the school run. We expect roads to be especially busy at drop-off and pick-up times, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and allow extra time."
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Edmund added that with the new term upon us, now would be a good time to consider alternative ways of dropping children at school. "We know the cost-of-living crisis is hitting families hard so we would also suggest, for those that can, to consider car-sharing, walking or cycling. This not only reduces costs, congestion and emissions, but can have health benefits."
Vehicles which have been sitting unused or little used during the summer break are more likely to encounter a fault when the time comes to get back on the road but undertaking essential checks could help avoid a false start.
Checks to make, according to the AA
Sean Sidley, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “We stress the need to ensure cars are in a road-worthy state, particularly advising drivers to check tyre pressures, batteries and brakes well before venturing out onto the school run. It’s likely that the return of the morning ‘rush hour’ will see more breakdowns than of late as parents aim to beat the school bell."
Offering advice on how to keep a little used vehicle in good order, Sean suggested: “Running the engine once a week or using a mains-powered battery maintainer; checking fluid levels such as oil, coolant and anti-freeze and topping up where necessary; and, crucially, checking the tyre conditions including tread depth and tyre pressures, inflating them if needed. If you keep your car in a garage, remember to pull it out into the open first; don’t run the engine inside a garage, and never leave your car unattended with the engine running.
“Maintenance checks are especially important for cars which haven’t been used much over the summer months. Before starting the car, make sure there’s nothing nesting under the bonnet which might have caused damage to pipes or hoses. Car engine bays can be an attractive nesting area for small rodents so it’s worth checking for stowaways and any signs of gnawed wiring or pipework."
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