Summer Driving

The beach, seeing long lost friends, even visiting the in-laws. You can always find reasons to drive your Skoda that much further during the summer. So, if it’s been a while since your last service, here are a few things to check before you set off on your journeys. 

Driving tips

Your Vehicle

1. Keep your vehicle regularly serviced – consult your service book. It can be easy to overlook the correct service interval.

2. Check the vehicles’ oil, coolant and brake fluid levels and also tyre pressures regularly, following the instructions in the owner’s handbook and especially before a lengthy journey. When topping up, use only Skoda – recommended fluids.

3. Have the cooling system checked by an authorised Skoda Retailer. A leaking cooling system or inoperative cooling fan could cause the vehicle to overheat and cause extensive damage to the engine. The check should include the auxiliary belts (sometimes called the fan belt). Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and warning lights during driving.

4. When using the air conditioning, you may notice a small pool of water beneath the vehicle after stopping. This is often mistaken for a coolant leak, but is perfectly normal and is simply condensation from the aircon system. This water will be clear, unlike the fluid from the cooling system.

5. Check the operation of all exterior lights to ensure they comply with legal requirements. All headlights and indicator lenses must be free from any damage such as cracks or missing glass or plastic. Remember to keep the lights clean.

6. Check front and rear wiper blades for wear or splitting, the windscreen washer fluid level (screen wash additive is also recommended) and that the washer jets are adjusted correctly.

7. Ensure all dashboard warning lights operate correctly. If not, consult your owner's handbook or call your local Skoda Retailer.

8. Check the battery connections ensuring that they are tight and free from any corrosion. If the battery type permits, check the electrolyte level and top up if necessary.

9. Check the condition of the tyres, (inc. the spare) for correct pressures and legal tread depth. The current minimum legal tread depth for cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3500 kg gvw) is 1.6mm.

10. Inspect the jack and wheel brace (if supplied), making sure they are in correct working order. If locking wheel nuts are fitted, ensure the locking key is safely stowed away in the vehicle. It may be useful to practise changing the spare wheel, following instructions from your owner's handbook.

11. Make sure you have a spare set of keys for your vehicle in a safe place (not in the vehicle!). It is worth noting that batteries in the key fob will also require replacement on a regular basis, to maintain operating performance.

 

Yourself and your passengers

1. Take regular breaks during your journey to avoid fatigue. If you are driving through the night make sure you've had sufficient rest beforehand. Working all day and then driving all night is a recipe for disaster. If you are travelling on a really long journey make sure there is more than one driver. Change at least every three hours, two during the night. Plan rest stops before you set off.

2. Avoid eating a large meal before setting off, as this can make you drowsy.

3. Plan your journey well and understand your route plan.

4. Take plenty of water and refreshments.

5. If the weather is hot take some sun cream and if possible something to take shade under in case you break down or are stuck in traffic.

6. If you have children, take games or other items to occupy them during the journey.

7. If you take any medication ensure you have extra supplies if necessary.

 

Caravans and trailers

1. If you plan to take a caravan, check the tyre condition. Caravan tyres can perish before they wear out. Examine them carefully for any signs of splitting or cracks in the side walls or tread, replacing as required. The braking system on the caravan should also be checked and serviced by your local dealer.

2. Ensure the load inside the caravan is secure and evenly distributed. Follow the guidelines given by the Caravan Club and other organisations.

3. Never overload your vehicle or caravan beyond their designed carrying capacity – consult your owner's manual for the relevant information on your vehicle or caravan. If you are in any doubt you can get your vehicle or caravan weighed at a local weighbridge.

 

Essential Items

The regulations of what you need to carry in your vehicle in other countries can differ from the UK. Check the regulations of the countries you are driving through before you go. We would also recommend carrying the following:

• a first aid kit

• a high quality torch, with spare batteries or even a wind-up type

• a warning triangle

• a high visibility vest/jacket (one for each passenger)

• a fire extinguisher

• a spare fuel can

• a spare light bulb kit

• additional engine oil and water (for topping up)

• an up-to-date road map or sat nav.

All of the above items are available to purchase at your local Skoda retailer.

 

If you’re driving to the Continent this summer, remember your Skoda comes with 3 year, unlimited mileage European Breakdown Cover (commencing from the date of first registration). You can find further details here: