When it comes to long car journeys, preparation is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly. Spending a little bit of time carrying out these simple checks will save you both time and money in the long run and can help to prevent a breakdown.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 15 essential checks that you can make before setting off to ensure that you are road-ready for your next long-distance trip.
Before going anywhere, you should check that vital fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, washer fluid and anti-freeze are all topped up.
Check that your brake pads are in good condition. If you can hear harsh grinding sounds, then it’s likely they’re worn out so they will need changing before you go.
Ensure all of your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and have the correct tread depth. They must legally be above 1.6mm to be used on the road. Don’t forget to check the spare as well!
All of your lights should be in full working order. Get a friend or family member to help you check your back lights. Carry spare bulbs with you in case anything happens.
Your driving licence, car insurance details, travel insurance documents & breakdown service contact numbers are all handy to have on you.
Low engine oil levels can cause a breakdown and lead to severe engine damage if not looked at. Oil provides lubrication for the moving parts inside the engine, so you need to have enough of it to ensure that your car can run smoothly.
Also known as antifreeze, coolant is needed to protect your engine. To check your coolant level, turn off your engine and ensure that the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markers. Check your handbook for the correct coolant and mix to use should you need to top it up.
Similarly, it’s important to check your screen wash levels before travelling on a long journey. The tank can be found under the bonnet, and if needed you should top it up with quality screen wash additive or pre-mix.
When it comes to things to check before a long drive, obviously your windscreen wipers are crucial, as they will ensure your vision remains clear on your journey. Most likely to get damaged over time, you should check your windscreen wipers for any splits in the rubber edge. Even in the summer, you’ll need your wipers to remove grime and insects from the windscreen.
While not as crucial, travelling without being able to use your air con can be frustrating. Especially if you haven’t used it in a while, it’s important to test your air con before you go as they can often develop faults. You may need a re-gas or recharge to get the system working again.
Just to be safe, it’s a good idea to make sure that your breakdown cover is valid in case anything does happen.
Just like with an MOT, it’s illegal to drive without car insurance. You also may want to consider getting temporary car insurance for another family member so that you can split the driving responsibilities if necessary.
Check what the traffic is looking like so that you can avoid disruption if possible. It’s a good idea to plan your route in advance, so that you can decide where you are going to stop off as you’ll need to take breaks when driving long distances. This will also allow you to pick out any potential places of interest that you might want to visit along the way.
One of our favourite long distance drive tips is to create an ‘emergency pack’ for yourself. You might not need all of the below items but it’s better to be safe than sorry:
- Coins for toll roads
- First-aid kit
- Torch
- Red warning triangle
- Spare clothes, snacks & fluids
- Reflective jacket
- Phone charger
- Your car owner’s manual
If you’ve had any problems with your car, take it to a qualified mechanic to get them resolved. You don’t want to risk a break down far away from home. Also ensure your MOT is valid and that your breakdown cover is in place.
And those are our top 15 car checks to make before a long journey. If you’re looking for more expert advice, then check out our handy blog or if you want to have your car looked over before travelling then you can book a service with us online.
