Whether you’re off on a long commute or an exciting road trip with friends and family, you need to make sure that your car is roadworthy. The last thing you need is for your car to breakdown or to encounter problems on your journey, so being proactive with your vehicle maintenance is a priority.
From checking your fluid levels to inspecting your tyres, there is a lot you need to cover but it will keep all your passengers safe on your travels.
1. Inspect your exterior
Before you set off, do a walk around your car to get a good look at its exterior condition. Check for chips or cracks in any of the glass in your front and rear windscreen and side windows. Even the smallest imperfections can grow to block the driver’s field of vision.
2. Tyre tread and pressure
Your tyres are the only part of your car that makes contact with the road so you must look them over. Look for any lumps or bumps that indicate wear and tear that can lead to larger problems. You also need to check your tyre pressure and tread depth. This is easily done, using the 20p test.
3. Oil levels
Oil is vital to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. You don’t want to end up stranded or cause serious damage to your car’s engine, so the oil levels need to be topped up. Older cars come with a dipstick that you can use to check the oil yourself, but now modern cars have computers to monitor this.
4. Brake fluid
The brakes are your first line of defence when on the road so you absolutely can’t skip on this check. The fluid levels need to be right if your brakes are going to work. A good rule of thumb is to look at the reservoir markers while checking the oil levels.
5. Air conditioning
This might not seem like a priority, but British summers have been getting hotter and long car rides can quickly become uncomfortable if the air conditioning isn’t working. If the air con isn’t as cold as it was, it may mean that your refrigerant gas needs to be changed.
6. Emergency supplies
If the worst-case scenario happens and you break down, you’ll be thankful to have an emergency kit on hand. A red warning triangle is recommended to alert other drivers, alongside some spare clothes, snacks and a first aid kit.
7. Insurance
You can also protect your vehicle on long journeys with insurance, especially if you’re hiring a car. This provides coverage in the case of accidents or emergency repairs, so make sure your insurance is up to date or you’re at risk for paying yourself.
8. Have your car regularly serviced
Getting your car serviced before you set off will catch any problems that could hold you up on your travels. Doing it a few weeks before your departure gives you enough time to get any repairs done.
9. Clean your screens
Driving with a dirty and smeared windscreen can be distracting, and obstructions are one of the most common causes of road collisions in the UK. Make sure your screen wash is topped up for your journey so you can wash off any bugs or other irritations.
10. Fuel levels
Fuel is the lifeblood of your car, and you won’t get very far if you don’t have enough in the tank. Think about how much fuel you’ll need to reach your destination and plan accordingly.
