Families planning on taking to the road this autumn have been offered six road trip tips to help make the journey as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Motoring experts from LeaseCar.uk have revealed a checklist of six things to consider before setting off.
Ensuring liquids such as petrol and oil are full before setting off can help avoid potentially costly delays whilst on the road.
And downloading podcasts or music which will keep all passengers entertained can also help the time pass quicker.
A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk said: “It’s important that checks are done on your vehicle regularly, but even more so ahead of a long journey.
“If anything goes wrong it can make a long journey even longer and could see you incur potentially thousands of pounds worth of damage.”
These are LeaseCar.uk’s six safety vehicle checks to do before setting off on a road trip:
- Tyres
It’s important to check that your tyres all have the right pressure and look safe, with no bumps or cuts in them. If you’re unsure what pressure they should be at, all the details will be found in your vehicle’s usermanual. If you do find anything unusual when checking your tyres, take the vehicle to your local garage and they will be able to run tests.
- Petrol
As simple as it may seem, filling up the petrol tank can often be something drivers forget to do. Ensuring you have a full tank means that you can do as much of the journey as you can without stopping off, depending on the journey length.
- Oil
Oil is the lubricant for your car’s engine which ensures everything is running smoothly. If your engine runs out of oil it could cause some costly problems, so it’s always important to use the dipstick to check your oil levels and top them up if they’re needed. Make sure you check the levels when the engine is cool – not after a journey.
- Packing
If you’re packing the vehicle full of suitcases and bags, it’s important to ensure they are stowed away safely. Start by putting the heavier bags at the bottom of the boot, with lighter items going at the top. If you are packing a van, make sure that everything is tied down and isn’t free to move around.
- Music
Having a great playlist or podcast series downloaded will help keep everyone in the vehicle entertained, as well as helping pass the time quicker. Downloading music before you leave ensure that it will still be playing even if you lose signal whilst on the road.
- Destination
As with any journey it’s important you know the exact location of your destination – if you have one! Especially if you’re travelling to somewhere you’ve never been before, having a sat-nav or maps on your phone set up will help make the journey smoother and safer. Go slowly when on roads you’re unsure of and take your time to plan the route before you set off.