10 Top Tips for Getting Your Car Road Trip Ready
As summer fast approaches, the idea of road trips during the long balmy days gets increasingly tempting. While normal pre-holiday...
As summer fast approaches, the idea of road trips during the long balmy days gets increasingly tempting.
While normal pre-holiday rituals involve checking that you have your passports in date, tickets printed, and money ready, your car should also be fit for any long journey.
Whether it's one long drive or multiple days of travel, there are a few things that are important to remember before you get going, along with the usual MOT, insurance and breakdown cover.
1. Check Your Wiper Blades Before You Set Off
As the temperature outside heats up, your wiper blades can start to suffer. The rubber of wiper blades can start to deteriorate in extreme temperatures, while wipers can also be affected by bug splatters and other debris. If you notice that your windscreen isn’t being cleaned fully, any juddering, squeaks, or smears – it could be time to replace them.
Read our full article on why your wiper blades might need replacing this summer for more information.
Using our easy registration search tool, Wiperblades.co.uk takes the hassle out of looking for complex part codes by only returning results of wiper blades that are guaranteed to fit your specific model.
It’s an entirely risk-free way to ensure you are buying the correct wiper blades for your vehicle… it takes seconds and means no more time-consuming shop searches!
2. Plan Your Route... and Your Playlist!
Before you set off on any road trip, it’s important to plan your route in advance. This helps you find the best route, see any potential delays, and factor in rest stops as well as charging stops for electric cars. If you’re travelling on a long journey, it’s important to take a break from driving every few hours to prevent tiredness.
Preparing your ideal road trip playlist is equally essential – not only does it make a drive more entertaining, but it can help keep you focused and prevent boredom on long stints.
3. Check Your Oil and Coolant Levels
If your car’s engine doesn’t have sufficient oil, this can lead to a breakdown, as well as permanent damage. A quick dipstick test will check your oil levels, but ensure your car is parked on a level surface and that the engine is cool before touching anything under the bonnet. The level on your dipstick should be between the minimum and maximum markers.
In warmer temperatures, coolant is vital to prevent your engine from overheating - this is particularly important if you find yourself stuck in heavy traffic, which is likely during busier summer months, making sure you’re topped up is a high priority.
4. Check Insurance and Roadside Assistance Coverage
This is especially important if you’ll be swapping driver responsibilities with passengers. If a driver isn’t on the car’s main insurance plan, familiarising yourself with temporary insurance plans can be extremely helpful. This also means that when a driver gets tired or begins to lose concentration, they can swap with a passenger to avoid hindering progress.
Roadside assistance is always important to consider, especially if you are travelling far from home. Assistance plans for the car that’s travelling (rather than a particular driver) are a safe bet.
5. Check Tyre Pressure and Tread Depth
Carrying extra luggage, including heavy suitcases, can have an impact on your tyres. Always ensure that they are inflated to the correct pressure and meet the legal tread depth requirements.
Failure to do so could lead to a £2,500 fine per tyre. It is also handy to check the spare tyre is inflated properly, so it is ready for emergencies.
6. Ensure All Lights are Working
If your lights aren’t working correctly, other road users can’t see you properly, and you can’t fully see them – it can also get you in a lot of trouble.
Before hitting the road, do a quick walk-around to check that all the lights are functioning correctly. This includes the brake lights, which you may need someone else to help with.
7. Top Up Washer Fluid
Keeping your windscreen clear is crucial to spotting any potential hazards on the road. Check your washer fluid levels before you set off and top up if they are running low.
8. Test Your Brakes
Making sure your brakes are functioning properly is something you should undertake regularly.
Not only for your safety, but also for others around you. If you notice that your brakes feel spongy or soft, be sure to get them checked out by a professional immediately.
Likewise, get your car checked as soon as possible if you notice any movement while the handbrake is on.
9. Give Your Car a Clean
If you are going to spend a big chunk of time on the road, you don’t want to do it in a messy car. Give the interior a good clean so everybody can enjoy the journey comfortably.
It is crucial that you consider replacing any empty wrappers with fresh snacks for the trip. The sun’s rays can show up any dirt on the exterior, so be sure to give the outside a thorough clean too. For added fun, consider a funky new air freshener.
You should also make sure you carry glass cleaner because bug splatters can dry out on your windscreen and be stubborn to remove. Using your wiper blades to clear debris might damage them and accelerate deterioration, so be aware you might be better off stopping, getting out of the car and cleaning the screen manually with a cloth.
10. Pack Essential Items
The essential items you need to carry will depend on whether you are travelling abroad; you should always check what each country requires you to carry. Regardless of where you are going, always have your driving licence to hand.
If you are driving abroad, your car will need:
- Car insurance details
- Travel insurance documents
- UK sticker if you are driving within the EU
Other important items include device chargers, plenty of water, a back-up sat nav or paper map, a first-aid kit in case of any emergencies on the road, and a torch. It’s also worth carrying some loose change for any toll roads. Bonus points for spare bulbs, jump leads, engine oil and a fire extinguisher.
Why not check out our summer accessories that might make your summer trip a little easier!
An Affordable Upgrade That Makes a Big Difference
Wiper blades are one of the most cost-effective upgrades for your vehicle, yet they play a crucial role in ensuring clear vision and safer driving.
With Wiperblades.co.uk you can purchase the wiper blades that are guaranteed to fit your vehicle, all at great value prices, even among top name brands like Bosch, Michelin, Valeo and Lucas.
Plus, with our easy-to-follow fitment videos and expert guidance, you can install them in under a minute—keeping your windscreen spotless with minimal effort.
