Win prizes in our National Check Your Car Day giveaway!
On Saturday 9th July, the RAC will be launching National Check Your Car Day – an event to help drivers across the UK look after their vehicles ahead of the summer holidays – and avoid any breakdowns.
RAC research recently discovered that just 19% of drivers say they always check their cars are ‘road-ready’ for making a trip, increasing the potential for breakdowns.
Half of drivers (51%) said they sometimes check their cars over before setting out, but an alarming 30% said they never do.
That's why we're running a social media giveaway to help raise awareness on the importance of keeping your vehicle in top condition. Check out our social media accounts for details on how to enter!
Carrying out simple checks on your vehicle – and certainly before a long journey – can save you time and money. They will also keep you and other road users safe this summer and beyond.
At the RAC, when it comes to preventing a breakdown, remember the acronym FORCES, which stands for Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, Screen wash.
As part of this, these 12 simple car checks can help keep you safe on the road – and on the right side of the law.
These easy-to-follow tips include videos and important information on what you should be looking for to keep your car in perfect condition.
Below, RAC patrol Matt Woodbridge demonstrates four simple under-the-bonnet checks:
According to RAC research, the two biggest breakdown callout reasons are batteries and tyres – both of which could have been prevented by looking after your vehicle. The guide will help you avert any problems.
By taking part in National Check Your Car Day, you're helping keep your car road safe and showing others that it can be both simple and important ahead of your summer break.
Keep up to date with the latest news and advice from the RAC on Drive and social media – where the latest developments for National Check Your Car Day will also be shared with our followers.
Make sure to follow to hear the latest about the competition details.
RAC provides the latest news, advice guides and travel tips for drivers.
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
• Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^Find the same cover cheaper with the AA within 7 days & we’ll beat it by 20%. †T&Cs apply.
You might also like
Common breakdown problems – your complete guide
Avoid breaking down in your car by follow these useful tips and simple car checks from the RAC
Summer driving tips - how to avoid a summer breakdown
Read our complete guide to driving in the summer, how to prevent common breakdowns, what to pack, and tips to help keep you moving in the warm weather.
Pets and breakdowns - what you need to do
What happens if you have a breakdown and you're carrying your pets in the car? Read our frequently asked questions and find out what to do with your pets.
What to pack in your emergency breakdown kit
Many of our cars and other vehicles don't like the cold and wet weather. Take a few minutes to ensure you're fully prepared with a winter breakdown kit.
Driving abroad in 2025? Be prepared, take out European Breakdown Cover
Find out why it's important to take out RAC's European breakdown cover before you go on a driving holiday abroad, and what the cost might be without it.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10