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The holidays are finally here and you’re packing the car for a long-awaited road trip, excited about the adventures ahead. But do you know what car checks to make before a long journey?
Car checks are crucial before a long road journey to help avoid unexpected surprises or breakdowns during your trip.
In this article, we’ll cover the essential checks to make before a long car journey, from tyre safety and fluid levels to emergency preparedness and air conditioning, to help you travel safely and comfortably.
Contents
If you’re wondering what to check in a car before a road trip, follow our checklist below before setting off.
One of the most crucial checks before a long road journey is tyre safety. Correct tyre pressure, tread depth and overall condition are vital for safe driving. Poorly maintained tyres can lead to reduced grip, poor handling, lower fuel efficiency and even tyre blowouts, which can be dangerous at high speeds.
The correct tyre pressure is essential for optimal braking, steering and grip on the road. Modern cars may have a tyre pressure monitoring system to make this task easier, but it’s still advisable to check pressures with a gauge.
The recommended tyre pressures for your car are in your vehicle handbook or on a panel inside the driver’s door. Don’t forget to check the pressure of your spare tyre, too, as it can lose pressure over time.
Underinflated tyres can cause excess heat to build up, increasing the risk of a blowout, while overinflated tyres can reduce grip and result in uneven wear.
Checking your tyre pressure is easy and can be done at home or at a garage. If you need to adjust the pressure, most service stations provide air pumps equipped with pressure gauges. Remember to check your tyres when they’re cold, as driving can heat them up and affect the readings.
Before heading off on a long car journey, check your tyre tread depth to ensure sufficient grip and safe handling. The legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference.
To measure tread depth, use a depth gauge or check the tread wear indicators. You can also use the 20p coin test as a quick check. If the outer rim of the coin is visible when inserted into the tread grooves, check the depth with a gauge to confirm whether your tyres meet the legal limit.
In addition to tyre pressure and tread depth, visually inspect your tyres for wear. Check for cracks, bulges or foreign objects embedded in the tread. If you notice any signs of damage, visit a garage for further assessment before setting off.
For more advice on looking after your tyres and other essential vehicle checks throughout the year, read our guide to essential car maintenance checks.
Another important part of preparing your car for a long journey is checking fluid levels. Engine oil, coolant and brake fluid play crucial roles in keeping your car running smoothly and helping to prevent problems such as overheating or braking issues during your trip.
Engine oil lubricates the internal components of your engine to reduce friction and minimise wear.
To help keep your engine running efficiently during a long drive and avoid potential damage, it’s important to check the engine oil level before setting off. This can usually be done using a dipstick or, in some modern cars, through the vehicle’s onboard system.
Coolant helps regulate the engine’s temperature, reducing the risk of overheating on hot days or in motorway traffic.
If you notice that the coolant level is repeatedly dropping, have the car checked by a professional.
Brake fluid transfers pressure from the brake pedal to the braking system, helping ensure effective braking throughout your journey.
Check the fluid level before your road trip to make sure it sits between the minimum and maximum markings on the reservoir.
Always use the brake fluid specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
Checking your headlights, brake lights and windscreen wipers is essential before a long car journey. Inadequate lighting or poor visibility can make driving more difficult in adverse weather conditions, so these simple checks can help reduce stress before hitting the road.
Ensuring your headlights and brake lights are working correctly is vital for safe driving.
Remember to check your fog lights, indicators and hazard warning lights to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Properly functioning windscreen wipers and an adequate level of washer fluid maintain clear visibility.
Properly functioning windscreen wipers and an adequate level of washer fluid maintain clear visibility.
It’s essential to be prepared for unexpected situations that may arise during a long road journey. Carrying the right tools and emergency supplies can make all the difference if you experience a breakdown or puncture far from home.
If your car has a spare wheel, inspect it before setting off and check that it’s correctly inflated. Some cars have a temporary spare, while others use a tyre repair kit, so check your vehicle handbook to understand what’s provided.
Carry the necessary tools for changing a wheel, such as a suitable car jack and locking wheel nut key, and make sure you know how to use them safely. If you’re unsure, contact a breakdown service rather than attempting a repair in an unsafe location.
It’s a good idea to carry essential supplies in your car, including a first aid kit, blanket, spare clothes, snacks, and drinking water. A high-visibility vest and warning triangle may also be useful, depending on where you’re travelling and local requirements.
By packing these items as part of your road trip checklist, you’ll be better prepared to handle unexpected situations and keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Maintaining comfort during a long road journey helps make the trip more enjoyable and less stressful. Checking your air conditioning and understanding your car’s driving modes can improve comfort and efficiency, allowing you to focus on the road.
Being stuck in traffic on a hot day without functioning air conditioning is unpleasant, so make sure it’s working properly before setting off.
Not using the air conditioning system for an extended period can allow faults to go unnoticed. Running it regularly, in line with the manufacturer’s guidance, can help you identify problems before your trip.
If the system isn’t cooling effectively or you notice unusual smells, consider having it checked by a professional.
Adjusting driving modes can help you optimise your car’s performance for fuel efficiency or comfort, depending on your needs. Depending on the model, settings may include Eco, Comfort, Sport or modes designed for slippery surfaces and challenging terrain.
Driving modes can be adjusted through the car’s infotainment system or via a dedicated dashboard button. Check your vehicle handbook to understand how your car’s settings work and choose the mode best suited to your journey.
Your car checklist before a long drive should also include a few final checks to help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Checking your car battery’s condition can help prevent an unexpected breakdown. Look out for warning signs such as a slow engine start, dim lights or difficulty unlocking the car with the key fob.
If you suspect the battery is weakening, have it tested by a garage or qualified technician before setting off.
Make sure your dashboard displays no unexplained warning lights and that essential electrical features, including the horn, indicators and central locking, are working correctly.
If you notice electrical faults, persistent warning lights or problems starting the car, have them investigated before your journey.
Before a particularly long drive, check when your car was last serviced and whether any scheduled work is due. If your vehicle is due a service or has an unresolved warning light, consider getting it checked before travelling.
For more information about service intervals, the differences between interim, standard and major services, and what a service includes, read our guide to car servicing explained.
Taking the time to perform essential car checks before a long journey can help prevent unexpected problems and ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Before you set off, remember to check:
Following these simple drive checks will help you prepare your car for a long drive and hit the road with greater confidence.
For more advice on keeping your car in good condition throughout the year, read our guide to essential car maintenance checks.
If you’re on the lookout for a new car that will make those long journeys a breeze, browse our range of new Ford cars to find the perfect model for you.
Following these simple drive checks will help you prepare your car for a long drive and hit the road with greater confidence.
For more advice on keeping your car in good condition throughout the year, read our guide to essential car maintenance checks.
If you’re on the lookout for a new car that will make those long journeys a breeze, browse our range of new Ford cars to find the perfect model for you.
Servicing at Foray Motor Group
