Millions of British motorists could have their Easter getaway plans ruined by falling to make simple checks before heading off this weekend.

Experts at the AA warn forgetting to take 10 minutes to check vital components before setting off on long journeys could dramatically backfire.

The stakes will be particularly high this weekend with millions of journeys predicted as families getaway for the bank holiday.

Traffic is expected to peak on Easter Sunday with around 18.5 million British drivers expected to use their cars.

According to the AA poll, a whopping 5.2 million Bank Holiday journeys will be to visit family or friends.

Around 26 percent of those intending to travel on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are still undecided about where they are going.

Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, has urged motorists to make sure their car is fully up to scratch before pulling off their driveways

He explained: “Easter is the first opportunity many people have to go and see their family and we’re expecting the roads to be busy.

“Before setting off on a long journey it’s important to check your car. A few simple checks could stop car trouble from upsetting your plans.

“Take 10 minutes to check your oil, coolant, and windscreen wash levels. It’s also important to make sure you have plenty of fuel and or electric charge and check that all your lights are working.”

The rising costs of motoring have also put a strain on owners which could increase the risk of breakdowns.

Recently data from Quotezone claimed one in five drivers put off essential repairs like worn brake pads and dangerously worn tyres.

There are also concerns around potholes with the breakdown provider reporting a five-year high for callouts to vehicles damaged by road effects in 2023.

The AA recently reported a staggering 632,000 callouts relating to road damage, a massive 16 percent increase compared to the year before.

Chris added: “Check your tyre pressures – do this when the tyres are cold and don’t forget to check the tread – including the spare if your vehicle has one.

“If your vehicle doesn’t carry a spare wheel, it can be useful to plan ahead by making a note of your vehicle's tyre sizes and keeping it in a safe place in case you need to pass this information on to a tyre provider.

“If driving in wet weather, try to avoid standing water where safe to do so as this can cover potholes or displaced inspection covers that may be lurking below the surface.”