Drivers ‘must check cars before heading abroad’

- 11th August 2009

Motorists across the UK should not forget to check the essentials before heading of on a driving holiday abroad, according to an leading insurer.

Saga has issued the warning after research found that one in five over-50s do not check their oil levels before setting off on such trips, meaning they could be hit by expensive servicing and repair bills while in a foreign country.

It was also revealed that one in seven do not check their tyre pressure, but the issue is not just restricted to older drivers.

A quarter of under-50s have also admitted to not checking either their oil or tyres before a trip away.

Saga Services’ executive chairman Andrew Goodsell said the study highlighted the importance of insurance.

He added: “When you add up the cost of calling out assistance and repairing your car, it really does make sense to take out breakdown cover.”

In a recent column for the Daily Telegraph, Nina Montagu-Smith said regular servicing can help drivers to ensure their motoring costs remain low.