Nearly 20 million journeys will be taken on the UK's roads this week as Brits use the four-day weekend to get away. The RAC is warning drivers to expect delays on popular routes.
Friday June 3 is expected to be the busiest day on the roads. Motorists are advised to set off early - before 6am - or later than 3pm to avoid congestion.
RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis urged motorists to carry out checks on the vehicles before setting off. Check oil, screen wash and tyres before you head off.
Read more: Jubilee Bank Holiday events in Northumberland
“A bit of TLC now could make the difference between a straightforward trip and one beset by a breakdown,” he added. The RAC has published a list of five summer driving tips to avoid a breakdown.
Five common causes of a bank holiday breakdown - and how to prepare your vehicle
The RAC says battery issues, tyres, clutches and alternators are responsible for the most breakdowns. There are warning signs you can check for.
Check your battery
Stop-start activity is one of the main causes of battery issues. Bank holiday traffic jams can make things worse, as can car loads of families being 'plugged in' to power outlets in the car.
"What’s more, if you’re crawling in slow traffic, the car’s electrical system may not be generating enough power to replenish this battery drain," says the RAC.
The RAC has tips for batteries.
"If your battery is ageing, consider replacing it before a long summer road trip. Three-year replacement cycles are a good rule of thumb, as problems can set in once batteries get to four or five years of age.
"Be wary about taking lots of short journeys in the summer too, particularly if you have multiple devices plugged in.
"If you are using your car regularly for short trips, it may be worth checking and charging your battery at least once a week, particularly if it is more than three years old."
Tyres
Check tyres before a long journey, as blow outs become more common on long journeys and in the summer. Check for cracks or distortion, the RAC says, and make sure the pressure is ok and similar in all your tyres. If the pressure is different in each tyre, it could be a sign of a puncture.
The RAC says: "It’s vital you check the condition of your tyres, and your tyre pressures, before embarking on a long journey – check against what it says in the car (or caravan/trailer) manual.
"Remember, you need to increase tyre pressure to the correct PSI if you’re planning on carrying heavy loads, such as a car full of luggage and people, before you set off."
Punctures and no spare tyre
You may assume your car has a spare tyre, but many do not nowadays and are equipped with puncture repair kits instead.
"If it has a tyre puncture repair kit, it's worth familiarising yourself with how this works", advises the RAC.
It adds: "A puncture can happen at any time - but with many drivers covering more miles in the summer on a greater variety of roads, it can be more likely to happen during the holidays. Particularly when cars are heavily laden with passengers and luggage, putting extra stress on the rubber."
If you do have a spare, check it before your journey.
Clutch
Busier roads and slower moving traffic can put more stress on clutches, the RAC says. Driving on unfamiliar roads can also add to the strain.
There are warning signs you can watch out for.
"Clutches don’t normally just fail, there usually are signs of wear beforehand, such as a heavy or gritty pedal, a high clutch bite or, simply, signs that your clutch is slipping when you accelerate hard in a high gear at low speed," says the RAC.
It adds: "Firstly, familiarise yourself with your route and the local roads around your holiday destination.
"Secondly, if you are towing, you need to prepare and ensure your car has the right towing capacity for your caravan or trailer. Our complete guide to towing a caravan will tell you all you need to know.
"If you have any doubts, or are concerned about any of the warning signs above, book it into a reputable garage and speak to a professional. Getting it changed, isn’t always as expensive as you may fear, and a lot cheaper and less stressful than a holiday breakdown."
Alternator
It will cost you a fair bit of your alternator goes. Look out for the battery light on your dashboard, if it flickers or illuminates it could be a sign your alternator is on the way out.
The RAC says: "Alternator replacements are not cheap and fitting a new alternator is not the work of a moment. Often, you’ll need a new drive belt on top, adding further expense. An RAC patrol will be able to recover you to a garage for it to carry out the repair work, but be warned: it’s not an immediate fix."
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