Is Your Car Ready for a Road Trip? Our 7 Quick Tips for A Safe Journey
Summer is just around the corner, and many people are already planning their next road trip. But before hitting the road, it's essential to ensure that your car is ready for the journey. Here are some things to consider to make sure your car is ready for a road trip.
Check your tyres:
Your tyres are one of the most critical components of your car, and they need to be in good condition for a road trip. Make sure your tyres have enough tread and are within the UK legal guidelines. Guidelines state that the minimum tyre depth for MOT is 1.6mm across three-quarters of the tread. If you are unsure, take your tyres to be checked by a professional. Also ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, and are free from any damage or punctures. The manufacturers recommend tyre pressure can be found on the side of the driver or passenger door. The recommend pressure depends on how many passengers you have in your vehicle. For more on how to check your tyres, click here.
Check your oil and other fluids:
Your car needs fluids such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid to function correctly. Check the levels of all fluids before your trip, and top them up if needed. the recommended levels can be found in your manufacturers handbook.
Inspect your lights:
Proper lighting is essential for your safety, especially when driving at night. Check all your lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights, to ensure they're working correctly. If you are checking on your own, you can use the reflection in your house window to check if your rear brake and reversing lights are working.
Make sure your air conditioning works:
If you're travelling in the summer months, you'll need your air conditioning to keep you comfortable during the journey, especially if it is a roasting UK Bank holiday! Test your air conditioning system before your trip to make sure it's working correctly. There are many garages that offer air conditioning recharge services.
Pack a spare tyre and a jack:
If you encounter a flat tyre, you'll need a spare tyre and a jack to change it. Many cars already have a jack and spare tyre, if you don't have one, you can take a look at one here. Make sure you have these items in your car and know how to use them. There are many guides that will show you how to change a tyre, like this one here.
Check your battery:
Your car's battery needs to be in good condition to start the engine and power all the electrical components. Check your battery's terminals and connections, and make sure they're clean and tight. If you don't know how to do this, then make sure you visit a professional who can.
A road trip can be a fantastic experience, but it's important to make sure your car is ready for the journey. Check your tyres, brakes, fluids, lights, air conditioning, pack a spare tyre and jack, and check your battery to ensure that you'll have a safe and enjoyable road trip.