The weather is gradually getting colder, especially in the mornings. Autumn is around the corner and I am kind of looking forward to it. Summer has been amazing. We made the most of it with various trips and activities. I am looking forward to the relaxing Autumn season. I have been thinking of our Autumn Holiday plans. What to do over the mid-term break and all. We have a few road trips planned before the end of the year, and I am also looking forward to that.
I enjoy road trips a lot more now that the kids are older. We don’t have to stop as many times as we used to before and they seem to enjoy the long car rides.
A lot of planning goes into our road trips. There are a couple of checks we have to make before we start our journey. Luckily we have a Kwik Fit centre very close to us. Which means we can pop into the centre quickly if we need to sort out anything car-wise. We also have to ensure we have all we need for the journey, depending on how long it is.
Here are the top 5 checks we make on our car before embarking on a long journey.
Check the Tyres
We check all the tyres before we set off on a road trip. Long road trips usually cause the tyres to wear out so it is best to ensure the tyres are in good condition before starting the journey. You can check your tyres with a penny or a tread gauge.
Make sure you have at least 1/16th” or 1.6mm tread left. If the tread is less than 1/12″ or 2.5mm, you should consider replacing your tyres before embarking on a road trip.
Give the Car a Wash
Washing your car before embarking on a long journey would ensure your windscreens have great visibility. It would also ensure your plate numbers are visible. You should also check the condition of your wiper blades and replace them if required.
Check all Lights & Signals
You should check to make sure all lights and signals are working as they should, and replace what needs replacing before setting off. You can also take with you spare bulbs for each light.
Change the Oil
You should get the oil changed before you go on your road trip, if it’s almost time for an oil change. The oil change will get rid of sludge from old used oil, and keep the car working efficiently. Also have the oil filter changed when you change the oil.
Check the Fluids in the Car
Before starting a long journey, it is wise to check all fluids in the car. So apart from the oil, you also need to check the coolant, brake fluid, windscreen wash levels, clutch fluid and power steering fluids, if fitted.
What do you check before going on a long trip? Do you do any of these? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading.
*Collaborative post.
I am new to the world of driving and to be honest I am bad at checking things in my car but I should start. Thanks for these tips, saves me calling daddy every second lol
My pleasure 😊
Checking the tyres is always a good idea! We’ve had a few road trips end in punctures!!
Oh no!
All so important if you are going on a long journey! Getting mine all checked next week before we go away x
Oh good x
Checking the tires is definitely important, even though it drives me a bit nuts when my husband does it. Only because he does it just when we’re about to leave! 🙂
Lol. I can see why that drives you a bit nuts.
So important to check all these before a long journey but I bet so many slip peoples minds!
Yea it is super important.
I love long road trips! Probably because I can’t drive 😀
Lol 😂
I’m so rubbish at planning like this. Luckily my other half takes care of it all, I just do the packing!
Ah nice!
I can’t believe the summer is over and autumn is around the corner! Great advice my husband is really good at keeping our cars in check!
Oh good.
I try to remember to check my car for each journey but sometimes forget
Yea we forget sometimes too.
We took a road trip to Denmark earlier in the year, so we made sure our tyres were all okay and that we had a spare. It’s also important to have a first aid kit and European road kit. We also keep a stock of coats, blankets, water and snacks in case we end up stranded anywhere.
Ah good. You sound ready.
Some fab tips here nothing like an Autumnal road trip but it is so important to make sure your car is ready for it!
Yea it is.
Great tips to remember to do, hubby deals with all these stuff but so important to remember them too
Yea it is.
I’m afraid I know so little about cars but I do ask Chris to check if I am doing a long journey. I really should learn!
Yea many of us have no clue. You are not alone.
I love road trips! Unfortunately my car does not so I haven’t been on a real road trips in a few years. I do like to take the kids for a Sunday drive though, especially while the weather is nice and I can’t wait for the leaves to start to change so I can go on those Sunday drives with the boys and just revel in the beauty of Nature:)
Yea I love when the leaves start to change colour too. So beautiful.
And don’t forget the fuel! I thought i’d broke the wife’s TT last weekend. Had the RAC man out and everything. Turns out I’d ran out of fuel. She’s forgiven me now though 😀
Oh my 😂
You’ve reminded me that I need to wash the car. I love road trips, it’s my favourite type of independant travel.
Ah nice. Thanks Janet.
Good tips! My road trip packing list is also: water, food, blankets, toilet paper, torch, mobile & charger, photo camera 🙂
Oh good Nadine.
It so important to carry out some safety checks before hitting the road. Tyre pressure is something we also forget to do though
Yea many of us do forget to check the tyres.
I love the idea of fall road trips, although I completely agree that safety has to be key. It would be making all the opposite types of memories if disaster should hit right in the middle of the a family vacation.
Yea road safety is so important. Thanks Anna.
Great post and thanks for sharing these tips! I’m heading on an Autumn road trip to New England soon to see the beautiful sites!
Ah nice. Have fun.