A quarter of British motorists don’t service or check their vehicle before taking a riding or driving holiday in Europe, according to a new study.
A significant number of British road users taking a car or motorbike to Europe on holiday are at risk of suffering a breakdown during their overseas trip, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has warned.
The study revealed that more than a quarter of the 1,335 people surveyed were planning to travel without having their vehicle serviced or checked.
However, while drivers and cyclists may think they're saving a bit of cash by not taking their car or bike to the garage before heading abroad, the IAM pointed out they could be leaving themselves open to an expensive repair bill – not to mention several days off the road and an unwanted disruption to their holiday.
Simon Best, chief executive of the IAM, acknowledged that a breakdown is inconvenient at the best of times, but that to suffer one during a holiday is "even more upsetting".
"Even with comprehensive travel insurance, there will be huge disruption to your holiday if you have a breakdown," he cautioned.
"It is vital that your car or bike is in good condition to cope with the distances and demands of European driving. Simply don't leave yourself open to the risk of an unnecessary breakdown or even an accident."
The findings come as part of a wider online survey of people who have either taken a motoring break on the continent in the past two years, or are planning to do so in the near future.
It was also discovered that the vast majority of drivers are confused about what they need to do to make their vehicle ready to drive in Europe.
Nearly four in five respondents said they believe regulations about the equipment they need to carry with them have become harder to follow in recent years.
When asked about the biggest disadvantages of taking a driving or riding trip, 33 per cent cited "unforeseen circumstances", while 17 per cent highlighted the cost of such a holiday.
Posted by Bob Fletcher