Essential checks before taking a long car journey
While the prospect of taking a long drive across unfamiliar territory can be daunting for some, there’s just something that’s downright exciting about a good-old fashioned road trip! Long car journeys are a great way to see new places, travel comfortably and connect with your fellow passengers along the way, but if you want to stay safe on the road, there are some essential pre-departure checks that you’ll need to carry out – what are the most important checks to conduct before hitting the road?
Tyre pressure and tread depth – To be deemed roadworthy and legal, your vehicle’s tyre tread must measure at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters. If your tyres are worn below the legal limit, you could face losing your license and paying fines from £2,500 to £10,000. While checking the pressure and tread depth of tyres is a standard element of any basic car service, it’s easy to check these at home without breaking the bank – simply insert a 20p coin into the tyre’s tread grooves to measure the depth. If your tyres are worn, you’re more likely to have an accident during a long journey.
Screen wash and wipers – Although trying to drive with a dirty windscreen can be frustrating, it can also be extremely dangerous. Before setting off on a long journey, clean your windscreen thoroughly and look out for any cracks or wear to avoid accidents on the road. Once your car is parked and the engine is cool, you can easily check whether or not the windscreen washer fluid needs topping up. Ensure that your wipers are working properly and don’t hesitate to replace them if needed – this could save your life on a long drive.
Brakes and brake fluid – As well as screen wash levels, you’ll need to check whether the fluid level in your car’s braking system is sufficient and test the brakes. Brake fluid is essential for the functionality of your vehicle’s brakes, so it’s essential that this is checked – while your car should display a warning light when fluid is low, you can also check fluid levels manually under the bonnet at home.
Oil level – Oil is vital for the smooth running of your car’s engine – if your vehicle’s oil levels are running low, you’re more likely to run into difficulties during the drive and end up stranded on the motorway. It’s easy to check oil levels at home using a clean oil dipstick – just ensure that you do this before starting the vehicle or 5-10 minutes after shutting down for an accurate reading.
Why not get a full-service package? – While most manufacturers recommend a full car service once a year along with an annual MOT, it’s best to take your car for servicing every time it’s run for approximately 12,000 miles. If you take long-distance journeys regularly or rack up a high mileage as part of your job, consider investing in a regular full-service package to make significant savings and stay safe on the road. This way, you can rest safe in the knowledge that your vehicle has been deemed ship-shape by qualified professionals ahead of long journeys.
