Bank Holiday Travel Tips
The blog this week is about some tips to make sure that you, your Volvo or Toyota and your passengers are prepared for the traffic over the bank holiday weekend. Running a car has become a major expense, especially with the ever-increasing fuel prices. Everyone wants to save money on a monthly basis, maybe for that annual holiday or your children’s university fund or for home improvements. Maybe it is to counteract the constant increases in your weekly food shops or increased utility bills. Read on to find out more:
This bank holiday weekend Aviva estimate that up to 25 million motorists could be expected to hit the roads. That is a lot of traffic on our roads. Saturday is expected to be the busiest day for travel with up to 9.2 million motorists planning their longest journey that day. Up to 12.7 million motorists are expecting to travel on motorways with an average of 100 miles being covered. In their research they say 43% of drivers have experienced a breakdown or significant vehicle problem on a long journey or holiday – That is a wild figure that is for sure! Green Flag is warning drivers to carry out basic vehicle checks before embarking on a journey after attending more than 3600 call outs over last year’s August Bank Holiday Weekend. School is back soon so it will be the last opportunity for a lot of families to spend some time together before normality and routine sets in. So, what can you do to avoid some of the traffic nightmares if you are venturing out this bank holiday weekend?
- Research Your Journey – check your journey beforehand – use one of the many websites available to check your route and see how long it will take you to get there. You can look at different routes that may take you around traditional bottlenecks etc. You can also research to see if there are any roadworks which are likely to slow you down and see if there is a way to avoid them. We all know that if the sun is shining then people will flood to the coast – it may be wise to start your journey earlier, or if possible, go the night before – but not in the afternoon rush hour.
- Avoiding Traffic Jams – Make sure that you have the radio on in your Volvo or Toyota or at least have the traffic function activated
– when this is activated you will hear any BBC travel and traffic updates. There are also several smartphone apps that you’re travelling companions can use to see if there are any issues ahead of you. Make sure you either have a sat nav or a map so that if you have to make a detour you can. Make sure you carry a phone charger too – the phone battery tends to die at the most inopportune time that’s for sure! - Watch the pennies – Fill up your Volvo or Toyota before you leave – fuel is more expensive at service stations on the motorway. Take
food, snacks and drink with you for your journey, that way when you plan a stop you don’t need to buy expensive service station food and drink – leaving you more money for your trip! - Keep Children Occupied – Make sure you pack plenty of things to keep the children occupied during your journey. Plan regular stops so that you can swap drivers but also allow for a leg stretch. If taking pets, it gives them an opportunity to have a toilet break and a bit of fresh air. Less haste and more gain!
- Avoid A Breakdown – In your Volvo or Toyota by ensuring you have maintained your service schedule. Check tyres, tyre pressures and all fluid levels in your Volvo or Toyota before you start your journey. Try and carry some oil and water in the boot – just in case you need a top up. Tips can be found in previous blogs we have written on the website. If you are unfortunate enough to breakdown don’t panic. Read our breakdown tips beforehand to make sure you follow safety rules. If you do not have membership to breakdown cover – check to see if you are covered on your car insurance or bank account and make sure you carry these details with you. If you do break down in your Volvo or Toyota and have no cover, you can still call one of the large roadside assistance companies and receive help – doing it after the event will of course be more expensive!
Have a wonderful Bank Holiday Weekend – Happy Safe Motoring Folks!
ACC UK Limited
Farnborough, Hampshire
Serving surrounding areas across North Hampshire and Surrey
Call us today on 01252 370701 to book in your MOT, service or repair
Here at ACC UK Ltd, Winners of The Motor Trader Independent Garage of The Year 2015, 2019 & 2020, GRA – Outstanding Automotive Service Excellence 2025, GRA – Outstanding Customer Service – Automotive Sector UK 2026, Motor Trader Indies Garage of the Year Award 2025, The IGA Big Awards 2022, The Inspire Customer Service Excellence 2016 Award, The Eagle Radio Customer Focus 2017 Business Award, The Workshop Magazine Workshop Manager of the Year 2017 Award, The LiveWire Excellence In Vehicle Servicing 2019 Award and The Aftermarket Excellence Award for Best Website 2019, The Eagle Radio Biz Award – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & the SME News Magazine Most Trusted Car Servicing Provider 2020, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding customer experience for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Give us a call and let us quote you for your next service or repair on your Volvo or Toyota. We service all areas around Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Frimley, Camberley, Hook, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Yateley, Hampshire and Surrey. We offer free collection and drop off services. We also have a fleet of courtesy cars to allow you to get on with your schedule whilst your Volvo or Toyota is with us. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd – Independent Volvo & Toyota servicing, repair and MOT specialists based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire
