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holiday check at the garage: what exactly is inspected?
A holiday check at the garage covers key components such as tyres, fluids, brakes and lights. This inspection is the basis for a safe driving holiday. It helps prevent breakdowns and ensures you can head out on the road with peace of mind. What happens under the bonnet? And why are these checks important before you drive hundreds or thousands of kilometres?
why a holiday check is important
A holiday trip puts more strain on your car than everyday driving. Think of a full load of luggage, extra passengers, long journeys, high outside temperatures and mountain roads. These conditions demand a lot from the technology. A small, unnoticed defect can turn into an expensive problem on the road. Breaking down on a foreign motorway can disrupt your holiday plans. A preventive check by an expert minimises this risk and is an investment in safety and peace of mind.
what does a holiday check at the garage involve?
A holiday check is a standardised inspection of the most important parts of your car. Although the exact content may differ per garage, the following points are almost always covered.
the tyres: the only contact with the road
The tyres determine road holding and braking performance. A mechanic checks the tyres on several aspects:
- Tyre pressure: The mechanic adjusts the pressure to suit the loading of a holiday journey. The correct pressure ensures stable road holding, a shorter braking distance and lower fuel consumption.
- Tread depth: The garage measures whether the tread depth still meets the legal requirements (at least 1.6 mm). For optimal grip, especially in wet weather, a tread of at least 2.5 mm is recommended.
- Damage: The mechanic visually inspects the tyres for cracks, bulges or other irregularities that may indicate an imminent blowout.
- Spare wheel and jack: The mechanic also checks the spare wheel for pressure and condition. Do you have a repair kit? Then they will check the expiry date of the sealant fluid.
the fluids: the lifeblood of the car
The right fluids are essential for a properly functioning engine. That is why the mechanic carefully checks all levels and tops them up where necessary.
- Engine oil: The oil level is important for lubricating and cooling the engine. The mechanic checks the level and the quality of the oil.
- Coolant: This prevents the engine from overheating, a real risk during long drives in summer or in the mountains.
- Brake fluid: This fluid is crucial for your safety. A level that is too low or fluid that is past its service life can reduce braking power.
- Windscreen washer fluid: For good visibility you need a clean windscreen. The mechanic tops up the reservoir so you can easily remove insects and dirt.
the braking system: your safety component
In addition to the brake fluid, the mechanic visually inspects the complete braking system. They check the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the brake discs. Worn brakes perform less well, especially when you are descending a mountain pass with a loaded car.
the battery, lights and windscreen wipers
These components may seem obvious, but they are important for comfort and safety.
- Battery: The mechanic tests the condition of the battery. High temperatures can deal the final blow to an older battery. A car that will not start after a stop can delay your journey.
- Lights: The mechanic checks all lights: dipped beam, main beam, brake lights, indicators and reversing lights. Being able to see and be seen properly is important.
- Windscreen wipers: The mechanic checks the wiper blades for drying out and cracks. Smears on the windscreen during a summer thunderstorm can impair your vision.
the air conditioning: comfort on the road
A properly functioning air conditioning system is no luxury during a warm summer holiday. It keeps the driver alert and ensures a pleasant journey for all passengers. During the check the mechanic tests the operation of the air conditioning. A system that is no longer cold may indicate a low refrigerant level.
frequently asked questions about the car holiday check
how often should I have my car checked before a driving holiday?
The recommendation is to have the car checked before every long driving holiday. This is separate from the regular service or MOT. A holiday check is specifically aimed at the extra strain of a long journey. Even if your car has just had a service, it is sensible to have the tyre pressure and fluids checked again shortly before departure.
how much does a standard holiday check cost before going abroad?
The cost of a holiday check is relatively low. Most garages offer this as a service at a fixed, low price. Think of an amount that is usually between 20 and 50 euros. This is purely for the inspection. If the check shows that repairs are needed or fluids need to be topped up, these costs are added. See it as an affordable insurance policy against unforeseen problems.
A well-functioning car is the basis, but a carefree journey starts with thorough preparation. Knowing what to do if you still break down, which vignettes you need and what the local traffic rules are is at least as important as a well-running engine. At Traveler Tips, we understand that. We provide all the knowledge you need on top of that. Our extensive country guides and digital checklists ensure you have thought of everything, from mandatory safety vests to environmental stickers. The result? You get into a safe car and set off with the confidence that you are prepared for every situation. No stress about unfamiliar rules or forgotten documents, just pure focus on the road and enjoying your holiday. Download our ‘Carefree on the Road’ checklist and complete your trip preparation.
frequently asked questions
For a carefree journey we focus on the most critical parts of your car. We inspect your tyres for the correct pressure and tread depth, check the complete braking system and the operation of all lights. In addition, essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant and brake fluid are checked and topped up where necessary. This way you are assured of a safe and reliable start to your holiday.
Absolutely, checking the fluids is an essential part of a holiday check. All important fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid are carefully inspected. Where necessary, they are topped up immediately so that your car is in top condition for departure. This ensures a safe and carefree start to your driving holiday.
Certainly, correct tyre pressure and sufficient tread depth are crucial for a safe journey, especially with a more heavily loaded car. During the check we therefore not only measure the tread depth, but also adjust the tyre pressure specifically to the expected load for your holiday. This way you can set off with a calm and safe feeling.
Absolutely, before departure we subject the car to a thorough inspection in which we check all comfort systems for correct operation. Both the air conditioning and the heating are extensively tested. We do this to ensure that you can enjoy a pleasant temperature regardless of the season. This means your journey always starts comfortably and well prepared.
A standard service focuses on periodic maintenance according to the manufacturer’s instructions, while a holiday check is a specific inspection to prepare the car for the challenges of a long journey. During this check, additional attention is paid to components that are more heavily loaded, such as the condition and pressure of the tyres, the operation of the air conditioning and the level of all fluids. In addition, the brakes, lights and battery receive extra attention to guarantee reliability on the road. Such a targeted inspection ensures that you can set off with peace of mind and that the journey is just as comfortable as the destination.
