Spring has sprung; we can feel it in the air. Our days are getting longer, and our hope is stronger. Summer is coming.
With another year of uncertainty ahead. The forever anticipated foreign holiday might still be a long way off, but there is still hope for a joyful Summer. There’s excitement afoot for hot days exploring our own territory and escaping this madness with the people we hold closest.
If you haven’t booked your Summer staycation, you better start getting organised – availability is already limited.
Public transport will still be somewhat of a risk, so we have prepared this handy little checklist to get your car ready for the journey. After all, we have been through, the last thing you want is car trouble jeopardising the memories you are about to make!
1. First things first, who’s driving?
If possible, it’s a great idea to share the burden with someone else – allowing breaks for each other along the way. Rotating the responsibility means that your concentration is likely to be much better, helping prevent accidents. Plus, it means you get to chill out for a bit, have a snack, a nap or check your phone. The road trip is part of the holiday, after all!
2. Plan Your Breaks
Planning your breaks and stop-offs ahead of time can be a real lifesaver. Not only do you make sure everyone is rested and fit to drive. You can make the most of your journey by choosing picturesque places to stretch your legs along the way. Make sure you check out points of interest on the route of your trip. Who knows when you will get the chance to revisit these places! Plan a scenic picnic or stop off at the beach.
3. Pack the Paper Work
It’s not exciting, but it’s necessary – make sure you have the following prepared, up to date and packed before you set off:
- Driving Licences.
- Copy Of Insurance Certificate (Make sure all drivers are covered).
- Telephone Number for your breakdown services.
- MOT.
- Innocent Driver Contact Details.
4. Other Essentials
There are several other things that you pack ahead of the journey that will make your trip more enjoyable and make any breakdowns or traffic jams bearable:
- Plenty of snacks and water.
- Books, games, Ipads – anything to keep your passengers entertained.
- Extra warm clothing & blankets.
- A first aid kit.
- A torch.
- A sat-nav (even if you don’t think you need one, better safe than sorry).
- Loose Change ( While we are used to cashless now, loose change is often the only option at certain parking metres or road barriers).
- Sunglasses.
- Toiletries (for sticky hands and freshen ups).
5. Packing
The way you pack for a road trip is important for many reasons. Make sure you clear out any unnecessary junk before you load the car. Think about the items you might need quick access too. Make sure the weight is spread evenly in the vehicle with heavier items towards the middle. Remember, the heavier the car, the more fuel you will use…
It goes without saying, but make sure that there are no obstructions to your windows. One piece of luggage out of place could result in a dangerous blocked view and disastrous consequences.
If you are travelling with lots of luggage, then roof boxes are a real-life safer for transporting lighter items.
6. Car Maintenance
None of the above matters if you set off only to find your vehicle is not fit for purpose!
Jokes aside, it is essential to make sure your car is fit for use ahead of time. Long-distance journeys can put an immense strain on your vehicle in general, and there the extra weight from luggage and passengers to consider.
If you have any existing maintenance issues or worries, get in touch with a mechanic straight away. It’s not worth breaking down halfway there over something silly that can be fixed now. You can also ask them to carry out a quick service.
If you are confident in servicing your own car, then make sure you cover the following:
- Tyres – Check the pressure, the tread and the spares.
- Lights – Ensure they are all working and shining brightly; get help check the rear lights if you need to.
- Oil- Make sure their plenty of oil in the car to keep it running smoothly
- Windows & washers – Keeping your windows clean is vital for road safety – check they are working and that the washer fluid is full.
- Coolant – Make sure you have got plenty of it, in case of journeys in the heat.
- Battery – Always important!
- Aircon – Cars full of people get hot quickly in the summer!
7. Last-Minute Checks
Check, check and check again before take-off – failing to prepare is preparing to fail after all.
Before you set off, remember to get updated on the weather conditions and road traffic reports so that you can avoid undue stress and adapt your journey accordingly.
That’s a wrap. We hope you make the most of the great British Summer. Stay Safe.
In the unlikely event that you have an accident, we will be on hand to help.