Essential Checks Before a Long Journey

Are you gearing up for a long journey? Whether it's a road trip, family holiday, or commuting for work, preparing your car and planning ahead is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential checks and preparations to make before heading off on your adventure. 

Vehicle Inspection

Packing for the family, buying snacks, loading the car; there’s a lot to do. It might be the last thing on your mind, but before hitting the road, you need to make sure your vehicle is in top condition. Here's a checklist to guide you through a quick and easy inspection before you set off.

Tyre Check

Make sure your tyres, including the spare you should have in the boot, are properly inflated. Check the depth of your tyre tread — the part of the tyre that grips the road. Brand-new tyres start at 8mm, but the tread needs to be 1.6mm as a legal requirement. 

You can check this easily by placing a 20p coin between the grooves of the tyre — if you can’t see the outer band, your tyres meet the legal limit. 

Look for any signs of wear or damage before setting off. Cracks, visible tears, and unusual bulges can indicate damage. 

Fluid Levels

Check and top up all essential fluids if you notice they’re low, including oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. This means you’ll be more likely to have a smooth journey and you won’t need to make any unscheduled stops midway. 

Battery

If you’re heading off on a particularly long journey, for a holiday or travelling for work, it might be worth testing your battery. While you can do this yourself, you simply might not have the time — or the tools! It’s best to get a trained technician to do this for you. This means you can be sure your battery is working as it should be. 

Brakes

The most important part of your car, even more so when you’ve got the family in tow. You can check your brake pads yourself by looking between the spokes of each wheel. If you can see at least 3 mm of brake pad, you’re good to go! If not, you’ll need to head to a garage for further help. 

Lights and Signals

Do a quick test to make sure your lights and signals are all in working order, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators. This will keep you and other road users safe on the road, and ensure you can see the road ahead no matter the type of conditions. 

Wipers

Before you set off, make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. You can do this by checking they’re working smoothly. You could also run your finger along the rubber to feel for any damage that might prevent them from working properly.

Emergency Kit

It’s always best to expect the unexpected, especially if you have kids. Prepare for every eventuality by having an emergency kit in your car. Some essential items to include are: 

• First Aid Kit: Stocked with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any necessary medications that you might need. 

• Tools: You never know when you might need a tool to help you. A basic tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, and a wrench set can put your mind at rest. 

• Jumper Cables: Hopefully with this guide, you won’t need this, but In case of a dead battery, these cables can be extremely useful. 

• Tyre Repair Kit: In case of a puncture, you should always carry the tools to help you change a tyre quickly and effectively. Helpful pieces of kit include a jack, lug wrench, and tyre sealant.

• Torch: A must-have if you break down, pack a torch with fresh batteries. 

• Blankets and warm clothing: Heading off in the cold weather? Pack blankets and warm clothing in case of emergencies so everyone can stay warm and comfortable while waiting for help. 

Navigation and Route Planning

Planning your route before you set off can help you avoid delays and stay on track — you can also plan in comfort breaks to keep everyone happy. Here are a few tips to help you do this: 

GPS and Maps

If you’re using a Sat Nav or GPS device, make sure it’s updated with the latest maps. You could also use your smartphone by attaching it securely to your windscreen. Make sure you’re familiar with the route and any live traffic updates to make your journey as smooth as it can be with everyone and the dog in the back. 

Check Traffic and Weather

Before you set off, check the weather and traffic news so you’re prepared for anything that might come up on your route. Use apps or websites to check traffic conditions and weather forecasts so nothing comes as a surprise. 

Plan Rest Stops

We know what it’s like: kids on long journeys need to go to the bathroom, snack and stretch their legs. Planning rest stops along the way means you won’t be caught off guard or struggle to find a convenient place to stop. 

Packing Tips

Heading off with the family can feel like you’re loading the car with everything but the kitchen sink, so efficient packing can save space. Ensure you have everything you need with these tips: 

Luggage

Securely pack your luggage in the boot of the car. This can be made easier with a low-loading lip or a large, flat-loading floor. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but try not to overload the vehicle as this can take up valuable internal space and your car will have to work harder, making it less efficient. 

Essential Documents

It’s worth having a look around for important documents before setting off on your journey. These include your driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance papers, and any necessary travel documents. You can take these in your car for easy access should you need them when you’re on the road, but make sure you remove them and store them securely in your bag or luggage when you reach your destination.

Entertainment 

To keep everyone entertained — especially the younger members of the family — bring fun, in-car activities for long drives. This could include books or games, or you could choose to play some of their favourite songs or audiobooks over your car's infotainment system. 

Personal Preparation

It’s not just your car that needs to be ready for a long journey, you need to be prepared too! Here are a few ways you can help yourself before heading off on your travels: 

• Get a good night’s sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep the night before your journey. Feeling tired behind the wheel can be dangerous. 

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout your journey and have a range of healthy snacks on hand so you can stay happy and comfortable. 

• Dress comfortably: Wear loose-fitting clothes — you’re less likely to feel uncomfortable when sitting for a long time. 

Safety Measures

In family life, safety always comes first. It’s essential to prioritise safety at all times during your journey. Here are some tips to help: 

Seat Belts

Make sure you and your passengers wear seatbelts at all times. If you’re travelling with little ones, make sure they’re secured in place before setting off. This goes for younger children in car seats — make sure they’re in place before heading off. If you need to take your seat belt off, make sure you’re parked with the engine off. 

Child Safety Seats

If you have little ones, it’s likely your car will have ISOFIX installed — most new cars do. This is the system you’ll use to secure your child’s car seat. Make sure the car seat is correctly installed to keep your youngest passengers safe on the road. 

Driving Breaks

Driving long distances can be tiring, especially if you’re staring out onto endless motorways for hours. Make sure you take regular breaks to stretch your legs and rest. Use this time to have a snack and rehydrate before you continue your journey.

Making sure you’re ready to set off on your long journey means preparing for every eventuality. Checking your car is working as it should, which means you’ll be less likely to need to stop on the way to your destination, which is even more important when travelling with the family in tow. Planning your route, preparing yourself for a day of travel and having the tools to help you if an accident should happen are essential. Using our tips above, your whole family can enjoy the journey. 

For more tips and expert advice on family cars and travel, read our helpful guides or contact our team of experts. Ready for a new car? Shop our extensive range of family cars today.