With Christmas just around the corner, AA Motoring is sharing its top tips and tricks for ensuring your vehicle gets you to your summer holiday destination safely.

Tyres

Check tyre pressures, and don’t forget to also check the spare. Under-inflated tyres use more fuel and therefore cost more money.

You can quickly measure tyre tread by using a 20c piece; measuring from the bottom of the coin to the ‘20’ or writing edge is approximately 2mm. If you have this depth of tread you are within the guidelines, but you’ll need to get them replaced soon, as 1.5mm is the minimum legal depth to pass a Warrant of Fitness.

Run your hand around the circumference of the tyre to check for cuts, bulges and uneven wear. If unsure, consult a tyre professional to help ease your mind - you may even need a wheel alignment and balance if you’ve not had one in the last 12 months.

Vision

Clean all glass, including your mirrors. Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition. Also make sure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up and fresh detergent has been added.

Lights

Walk around the outside of your car to check all your lights are working and all lenses are clean.

Cooling system

If you have to regularly top up your car’s cooling system, get it seen to before hitting the road. Things will only get worse if you don’t.

On average, AA Roadservice attend 7,500 callouts a year that are related to cooling system issues, and many of these could have been avoided if regular checks were conducted.

Also check your air conditioning system is it still able to cool your vehicle down.

Towing

Trailers, boats and caravans aren’t normally used as frequently as vehicles, and things can deteriorate while they’re not being used. Always check the wheel bearings of your trailer or caravan to make sure they’re not loose or noisy, and make sure you’re carrying a spare tyre for them. Also ensure that all lights and indicators are operating correctly.

Service

Check the engine oil level and top it up if required before heading off on a long road trip. If the distance you’ll cover on your road trip will take you into your next service interval, arrange to have your vehicle serviced before you head off.

Also check your WoF will remain current for your journey. Dig out any past service or WoF notes that you may need to attend to this time; problems tend to get worse over time not better.

Book ahead

The holiday period can be very busy for WoF, repairs and servicing so make sure you book well in advance, and check out holiday operating hours.

If your car is not due for its service or WoF, why not get an AA 10-Point Check at an AA Auto Centre, Vehicle Testing or Vehicle Inspection site? It covers a 12V battery test, checking the engine oil, wipers, tyre condition and more.

AA Members are entitled to two free 10-point vehicle checks each year (non-Member price is $19 per check).