What have the Romans ever done for us? Apart from roads, viaducts, and the Leap Year that gives drivers an extra day to care to their chariot – or car if you’re not an ancient Roman.
The Leap Year was introduced by Roman emperor Julius Caesar around 45BC and updated by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 when he realised that Caesar’s arithmetic was slightly out, and there has been a Leap Year every four years ever since.
2024 is a Leap Year and it offers an extra day to lavish some attention on your car to avoid the most common causes of breakdown call-outs.
Simple checks like making sure your car battery is in good condition won’t take all day but will help with reliable starting. This accounted for over a third of all Start Rescue call-outs last year, while 17% were for a flat tyre, so use 29th February to inspect their condition.
Many local garages and motor factors offer free battery health checks, with vehicle batteries often designed to last around five years before requiring replacement. Checking and adjusting your tyre pressures is even simpler and can be conducted at most fuel or service stations, although motorists should also carry out a basic visual inspection at each corner to check for any obvious signs of damage, punctures and wear.
A few straightforward checks can also help you stay on the right side of the law, which states that tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the entire contact patch. Having an illegal tyre could result in points and a hefty fine. Motorists without access to a tyre tread depth gauge can check by placing a 20p coin into the grooves of each tyre. If the outer band of the coin is hidden when inserted into the tyre, its tread is above the legal limit.
“We all like a bit of extra time and a Leap Year gives us a whole day more, so it’s the perfect chance to show your car a bit of care and attention,” says Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue. “Of course, we recommend drivers carry out regular weekly or monthly checks, too, as many breakdowns can be avoided with preventative measures.”
Simple things like checking tyre pressures, age and condition, as well as checks for engine oil level, screenwash, and lights can all avoid a breakdown by remedying a problem before it can leave you stuck at the roadside.
In the event of a breakdown, having the right cover in place gives you the peace of mind you’ll be properly looked after. Start Rescue has achieved Which? Recommended Provider status for five years running. Start Rescue also has a 97% recommendation rate from customers helped at the roadside.
