7 essential car checks to make before a long journey

Safety first: Make these checks before you set off on a long journey

The most stressful part of a trip is probably the bit before you actually leave.

Planning, packing and making sure everyone else is ready, packed and present too.

Your car checks most likely get forgotten in your long to-do list. They're the last thing on your mind when you're simply just trying to get your kids in the car.

However, spending just a little extra time before setting off on your trip can avoid some major roadblocks along the way.

We've compiled a checklist of things you should always check before you depart on a long journey, putting you in the driving seat when it comes to vehicle safety.

These are checks that both combustion engine and electric cars will need before you head off.

All vehicle checks

Tyres

Simply put: check your tyre pressures.

Especially if you have a full car and you're carrying more weight than normal.

If your tyres are overinflated or, more commonly, underinflated, this could lead to a blowout. This is scary, but can also be quite dangerous depending on where it happens.

Make sure you check your manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure level, which you can find in your vehicle's handbook.

It's also worth keeping a tyre pump in the car in case you come across any problems on your journey.

Check the tread depth of your tyres too. Worn tyres are extremely dangerous. The legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, but most safety experts recommend a tread depth of 3mm.

A deeper tread has more grip, meaning they'll work better and be safer when you need to hit the brakes unexpectedly.

Battery

Check your battery, making sure the terminals are clean and tight.

Check that your engine starts correctly, and if it struggles when you turn the key, get your battery checked by a garage.

You can also bring some jump leads with you to be safe, but you would still need another car or power source to charge your own vehicle.

If you've got a car lease, you have the options of a main dealer or an independent garage for any checks and work needed.

If you opt for an independent garage, you must ensure that they use approved manufacturer parts.

We advise that you always check with your funder first before using an independent garage.

Wiper blades and screen wash

A dirty windscreen means decreased visibility. This is not only an annoyance, but can be dangerous too.

Make sure you check your windscreen wipers for any wear and tear and replace them if needed.

It's also important to check your windscreen wash in case it needs topping up.

There's nothing worse than driving with squashed bugs on your windscreen, so checking these two things will ensure you keep your windscreen crystal clear throughout your journey.

All lights working

Having working lights is vital for a safe driving experience.

To check your hazard warning lights, you'll need to turn the hazard lights on, exit the car and walk around it to see all the lights are working.

You'll need someone to help you with the rest as you won't be able to check your lights from inside the car.

Have your helper stand in front of the car while you turn on the main beam headlights, dipped headlights, and indicators.

Then have them stand at the rear of the car to check the brake lights and reverse lights.

Make sure your handbrake is on while completing these checks as well, just to be safe.

Fuel

This might seem obvious, but it'll give you peace of mind knowing you've got a tank full of fuel before you hit the open road.

You may find yourself in trouble if you're driving around an unfamiliar place and suddenly need to hunt down a fuel station.

So, make sure you fill up your tank with fuel just before you start your journey to save time and reduce stress later.

Likewise, if you've got an electric or hybrid car, to avoid range anxiety, make sure it's fully charged before setting off.

Combustion engines, you're on your own here! 

Oil level

Oil plays a crucial part in ensuring your combustion engine vehicle runs smoothly. It lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and stopping it from wearing out too quickly.

Without engine oil, the engine would quickly seize up and probably overheat too, leaving you stranded on the hard shoulder.

Not sure how to check? We've got you covered:

• Make sure your engine is cold, or has been off for at least an hour. Then open your bonnet and locate the dipstick
• Pull the dipstick out and wipe off the excess oil with a cloth. You'll notice two marks on the dipstick, the minimum and maximum oil levels
• You then need to put the dipstick back into its tube, let it sit for a bit and then remove again. If the level of oil is near or below the minimum mark, you'll need to add more

If your oil does need topping up, check your handbook for what oil your car needs. Then locate the oil cap and pour in oil a little at a time to ensure you don't pour too much in, as this can cause damage too.

Engine coolant

Like your oil, engine coolant plays a big role in the smooth running of your vehicle.

Being a mixture of water and anti-freeze, it regulates the engine's temperature, stopping it from either freezing or overheating.

You should check your coolant levels when the engine is cold and look in your handbook for the correct coolant.

Using the wrong coolant could cause corrosion in your system, resulting in long-term effects that might leave you in the garage rather than on your holiday.

Ready to roll

With all these essential checks ticked off your list, you can now cruise confidently towards your destination.

A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your journey is as smooth as your well-maintained engine.

Not sure where to go?

Check out some of the best road trips in the UK and Ireland and put your freshly checked car through its paces on some of Britain's most stunning routes.