Road trips can be a great way to get out and explore the country, making up your itinerary as you go along and planning your trip to do exactly what you want and when you want can be extremely cathartic. And it’s a given that being stuck in motorway traffic or breaking down on the M1, causing massive tailbacks, isn’t going to be on your to-do list, is it?
This is where prevention comes into play. You want to be proactive in ensuring that you’re ready for your car journey before you set off, so you can get a better understanding of the condition of your vehicle and ensure it’s fit for everything you need to do.
Breakdown Cover
Breakdown cover is essential for any vehicle journey, especially long ones, or if you’re travelling around the country. The last thing you want is to face the high costs of being towed off the motorway or picked up from a winding countryside lane that is pushing your blood pressure through the roof with each passing car. Choosing the right breakdown cover and company can make all the difference to your trip and can be invaluable in case the worst happens. Of course, no one wants the worst to happen, but not everyone is that lucky. So, have breakdown cover in place prior to setting off.
Check Tyres and Wheels
A quick walk around your vehicle can help you spot any signs of damage to your tyres and wheels, including worn treads, bulging tyres, cracks, or uneven wear. Make sure your wheels are in good condition, too, as this can impact tyre health and condition. And if things aren’t looking great, get new tires or wheel repairs asap for added peace of mind. It can be a good idea to look into tpms sensors to help you monitor tire pressure on your journey to avoid any unexpected surprises or blowouts
Windscreen Checks
You need to ensure that your windscreen is free from any cracks or chips before your journey starts. Even the most minor chip can cause a severe crack in your windshield, putting a halt to your plan and a serious dent in your bank balance. Most insurers repair chips for free under a certain size, and you don’t need to put it down as a claim, so take advantage of this if you can, and you have a chip already.
Check Your Battery
The middle lane of the M1 motorway is not where you want your battery to die. Sitting in traffic can be a massive drain on the battery, especially if it’s over five years old.. It’s a good idea to get a battery health check and replace it if it’s not showing it is holding its charge as it should.
Road Trip Fluid and Parts Checks
Check your oil, water, and fluid levels, wipers, etc. These small checks can make all the difference when you’re setting off, as you need them to be in working order and filled, so you don’t run out. Seeing that red oil light comes on when you’re 50 miles away from the nearest garage or even main road isn’t the tone you want to set for your trip, so avoid it by doing pre-road trip checks and having top-ups available should you need them.