Summer is here which means a lot of family trips are taking place around the UK. Whether your drive is 45 minutes away, 4 hours, or more, there are a few basic things you need to check before hitting the road.
But before we get into that, here are our top tips for family trips:
No.1 Navigation.
To avoid an endless row whilst stuck on the M1, make sure you have multiple navigation options.
You can use a satnav, a mobile app, or a standard road map. We recommend using the app Waze, as it updates your route quickly when there are obstacles to your journey and drivers can report issues to assist other drivers getting stuck due to traffic, an obstruction or an accident.
No.2 Take regular breaks.
Whether you are stopping at services regularly or swapping around the driving with your partner, a trip is a lot more fun when you aren’t the only one doing the driving.
Driving for hours on end can become boring and tiresome, so having these vital breaks will help avoid potential accidents that can be caused by tiredness.
No.3 Pack your road trip essentials.
Be this plenty of snacks and drinks for the long drive ahead, a cushion for comfort or some light entertainment while on the road. Any, or all, of these, will make your trip more comfortable, so make sure you don’t forget them!
No.4 Make sure to do your pre-trip maintenance.
The last thing you want to do is break down while on your way to a fun day out. Making sure your car is prepared with the basics (see below) is important to avoid adding stops to your journey.
While we are on the topic of pre-trip maintenance, there are key things you should always check before heading off on a long drive.
Oil
The first is to check your oil. Checking both the consistency and the level of your oil will give you an indication as to whether you need to add more, and/or if you need an oil change. If the colour of the oil is a very dark brown or black, then this is a clear indication that your oil needs replacing.
Coolant
Next up is your coolant/antifreeze. Making sure that your coolant is level between the indicators is vital to the health of your engine. If you do need to top up your coolant then make sure to double-check your manual or search online to find which coolant is right for your car.
Tyre Pressure
Checking your tyre pressure should be a regular occurrence but double-checking before a long journey, making sure your tyres have the correct pressure before setting off, makes your journey the safest it can be.
We wish you a wonderful trip wherever you go this summer.
If you are ever in doubt about your pre-maintenance checks, or if you have any questions, give us a call on 01424 44 22 77.