What with the current weak position of sterling against the euro and flight delays caused by volcanic ash, Britain is gearing up for a summer of so-called ‘staycations’ as people opt to holiday at home – good news for the home tourist market. But it also means many holidaymakers will be relying on their cars to get them around, which could be bad news for those whose cars are not up to the journey.

Ensuring your car is serviced routinely, has a pre-holiday check or even an unscheduled safety check on tyres and brakes will give you the same sense of security and peace of mind as taking out holiday insurance. But just as important, a vehicle maintained in tip top condition mechanically will be more efficient and cost less to run – and with fuel costs at an all-time high, that’s got to be worth thinking about.

Routine servicing in line with manufacturer’s specifications will enhance your car’s safety, fuel efficiency and resale value as well as being more pleasurable to drive. Driving a car that has responsive steering, controllable cornering, powerful braking and a smooth overall performance is less stressful, especially on long journeys.

When did you last check your tyre pressures and oil and coolant levels? Ideally these simple checks should be carried out once a week. As a nation we lavish time and energy cleaning and polishing our cars so they look shiny and clean, but how much attention do we pay to the mechanics?

While a breakdown miles from anywhere is not a happy prospect, it may not be life threatening – but driving with dodgy tyres could be. It’s estimated that 50 per cent of all vehicles on the road have under inflated tyres. Apart from increased tyre wear and greater rolling resistance resulting in increased fuel consumption, there’s also a significantly higher risk of suffering a tyre blow-out, which at speed can result in a fatal accident. Simply by checking tyre pressures weekly, or at least bi-weekly, to maintain the correct inflation will enhance vehicle stability and safety, increase tyre life, reduce pollution and increase fuel economy. Remember to also check the spare wheel tyre pressure or you could find yourself stuck at the roadside in the event of a puncture.

The legal minimum tread depth of the main grooves in a car tyre in the UK and EU is 1.6mm. This applies across the central three-quarters area of the tread breadth and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre. This is an essential safety requirement and especially important in wet weather conditions. Your life and the safe control of any vehicle depends on tyres meeting these requirements – as does the validity of car insurance in the event of an accident. If you are in any doubt as to the condition of your tyres ask a professional to check them.

Checking oil and coolant reservoir levels should also be done regularly to ensure efficient and reliable service from any vehicle. Low oil or coolant levels can lead to catastrophic engine failure, a very inconvenient and totally avoidable expense.

If you are unsure how to perform any of the above routine tasks refer to the owner’s handbook or go to your local garage where professionals will be happy to undertake these essential checks.