A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Nothing spoils a road trip faster than a flashing warning light halfway down the motorway. A few quick checks before setting off can save hours stuck on the hard shoulder; and spare you from avoidable repair bills. You don’t need to be a mechanic; just ten minutes and a bit of common sense will do the trick.
Whether it’s a family holiday or a cross-country drive to see friends, think of this as giving your car a quick once-over before the big day out.
1. Tyres: Grip, Pressure and Tread
Your tyres are the only part of your car that touch the road, so start there. Check for damage, cracks, bulges, or anything lodged in the tread. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but most experts recommend replacing tyres once they drop below 3mm.
Use a pressure gauge (or your local garage’s air line) to make sure each tyre is inflated to the correct pressure. You’ll find the recommended figures in your handbook or inside the driver’s door frame. Don’t forget the spare; or the tyre repair kit, if your car has one instead.
Underinflated tyres waste fuel and overheat; overinflated ones reduce grip. Either way, it’s not worth the risk.
2. Fluids: Oil, Coolant and Screenwash
Pop the bonnet and have a look at your fluid levels. Start with engine oil: use the dipstick on level ground, when the engine’s cool. The oil should sit between the two markers; amber or light brown is healthy; black and sludgy means it’s time for a change.
Next, check the coolant reservoir. It should sit between the “min” and “max” lines, and the fluid should look clean and coloured (usually pink or green). Low coolant can lead to overheating, especially on long runs.
Finally, top up your screenwash. Long motorway journeys mean bug splats and dusty windscreens, so fill it right up with proper screenwash rather than tap water; it cleans better and won’t freeze in cold weather.
3. Lights and Indicators
Ask someone to help while you test your lights. Check headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, fog lamps, and number plate bulbs. It’s not just about seeing; it’s about being seen. A missing light can earn you a fine, but more importantly, it’s a safety risk; especially on early starts or late returns.
Carry a spare bulb kit if you can. They’re cheap, take up no space, and save a lot of faffing if something goes mid-trip.
4. Brakes and Steering
Before setting off, gently test your brakes. They should feel firm and responsive, not soft or spongy. If you hear squealing or grinding, get them checked before you go; it’s not worth the gamble. The same goes for your steering. If it feels heavy or pulls to one side, have it inspected. A long journey can turn a small problem into a big one fast.
5. Battery Health
If your car’s been sitting idle for a while, a weak battery can surprise you at the worst time. Check that it starts easily and that no warning lights flicker when idling. If you have a voltmeter, a healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when the engine’s off. Carry jump leads or a portable starter pack, just in case; especially if you’re heading somewhere rural.
6. Wipers and Windscreen
Give your wiper blades a quick test. If they squeak, smear or miss patches, replace them before the trip. A streaky windscreen on a rainy motorway is more stressful than you’d think. Clean the inside of the glass too; glare from the sun or oncoming headlights is much worse on a greasy surface.
7. Emergency Kit and Documents
Before a long drive, make sure you’ve got a few essentials packed:
- Warning triangle, hi-vis vest, and torch
- First aid kit and bottled water
- Phone charger or power bank
- Spare fuses and bulbs
- All your important car documents; licence, insurance, and breakdown cover details
They might never come out of the boot, but when you do need them, you’ll be glad you packed them.
8. Plan Your Route and Fuel Stops
It sounds obvious, but plan your route before you leave. Know where you’ll stop for fuel, food, and breaks. If you’re driving an electric car, check the Zap-Map live charger map for charging points along the way. Tiredness and range anxiety are a bad combination on a long trip.
Give yourself extra time; especially around bank holidays when traffic builds up. A relaxed drive is a safer one.
Useful UK Resources
A few checks now can save a world of trouble later. Ten minutes on the driveway is worth ten hours waiting for recovery. Know someone heading off on a long drive soon? Share this page; they’ll thank you when the journey goes smoothly.