Save Driving for Christmas Tired driver + classic car = @#$%#$%^

When cars get tired and preventative maintenance is delayed, then as owners of the cars we call them ‘a bit tired’ and in need of due care and attention.

The end result is that a well maintained vehicle is less likely to result in an accident because the car is operating as it should. Sadly we don’t apply the same to ourselves.

So this is my personal challenge to you for the holidays. I ask that you focus on both fatigue and the joys of Christmas, the holiday break and the awesome opportunity to take your beloved Classic on the road.

I don’t know about you, but by the end of the year I’m desperate to wind down and put the feet up and do those things I really enjoy doing. Driving the car, windows down, country drive, warmth of the sun, car radio going and the wife reading out loud an article from the Classic Driver magazine.

By the time the end of the year comes around it’s tools down and it is very easy to go into hammock mentality. The interesting aspect of this is that when you do that, your body has the ability to also let its guard down.

How often have you stopped for a holiday and ended up with a cold or upset stomach (it’s not the mother-in-law’s Christmas pud). In addition there is a tendency to feel sleepy a lot.

Remember that if feeling tired whilst driving: • pull off the road somewhere safe and have a 20 minute power nap • drink water and keep yourself. hydrated. (Don’t drink unhealthy high GI energy drinks because the affect is short lived and can result in a concentration slump 2 hours later). • Wear sun glasses of good quality to avoid eye strain and prevent the sun’s glare from causing that heavy eye effect. In addition, for those in open top sports cars, make certain you have that sun screen lotion on around the ears and nose and don’t forget the hands and legs. And bald pate, if you have one and are nor wearing a cap!

If you have just had a large lunch, don’t drive back home between the hours of 2-4. This is within the acknowledged slump hours. Your metabolism uses all of its energy to process all the food you have just dumped on the system (including the mother-in-law’s Christmas pud).

Take a break from driving every two hours. This gives the car a rest as well. It’s also nice to stop at a road side café and watch the world go by.

So that’s you. What about the car? Well if you are like me, the car may not have moved from the garage in the last 2 months. During that time the little gremlins get in and do their worst. Check out your brakes and the way your car pulls up when stopping. Check out the fluids such as brake fluid and clutch fluids. In the older cars the other thing that needs to be checked is the line between the clutch master cylinder and the slave cylinder. Sometimes this breaks suddenly.

Water system. Make sure it’s all in full operational order and the fan belt is in good condition.

Also remember to check on the warrant of fitness date. Nothing worse than thinking about taking the car out for the day and then finding the warrant has expired.

For those clients of Simply Classics Insurance - if you do have an accident requiring urgent attention during statutory days, you can contact us on 027 289 3162 or during the days in between phone the insurers Prestigio on 0800 250 600. We will be able to give you advice and assistance.

Otherwise have a Merry Christmas and enjoy some great motoring.