1. Create a list of checks to carry out to your vehicle before setting off. And regardless of whether you’re taking your own car or a hired one, it’s still worth completing them all.
The main ones not to miss out are:
- Brakes – Particularly check these if you’re using a car that’s not your own and you aren’t familiar with. You want to feel confident in your brakes before setting off on any long journeys. So if your brakes feel either soft, or cause any unusual noises, we wouldn’t recommend setting off anytime soon.
- Lights – The last thing you want is your headlights going out whilst you’re navigating country roads at night in unfamiliar territory, searching for your campsite. So check all lights are in working order before you leave, including inside ones. And it’s best advised to take a spare bulb with you just in case.
- Fluid levels – Your fluid levels are so important to keep your car ticking over correctly, and so often ignored. Get used to checking them regularly whether you’re going on a road trip or not.
- Tyres – They need a checklist all on their own. But most importantly, check the tread, the air pressure and that you have everything you need with you should you get a puncture.
2. Get a breakdown kit together and keep it handy. There’s nothing worse than when disaster strikes and you’re underprepared. So get all the equipment you might need in there – from a jump lead to your high-vis!
3. Take out breakdown cover. No matter how prepared you might be, a breakdown can always strike so it’s best to be prepared. It’s just not worth the added stress of breaking down, then realising you aren’t covered for it. And if you are going abroad, it would be wise to check that your insurance covers that as well.
4. Buy an in-car bin. Trust us, you won’t regret this one. It saves you passing around a plastic bag that slowly fills up with apple cores whilst oozing out a mysterious sticky liquid onto whatever is underneath it. And if you’re taking children with you, you’ll need it even more. In-car bins add a much needed sense of order and organisation to your road trip. You can order them online relatively inexpensively, often slotting nicely onto the back of a chair or the central unit of the car.
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