Vehicle checks before a long drive

Are you just about to set off for an exciting road trip or just heading on a long drive to visit family? Whatever your reasons for travel, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition before your journey commences. Failure to do this could lead to expensive repairs and long wait times for a recovery vehicle.

There are several checks that you should be doing before most journeys but they’re especially important before one that will take several hours. Not sure what they are? We can help. Our guide below will take a look at the essential checks you should be doing before a long drive. Read on to find out more.

Check your tyres

Your car is dependent on tyres for fuel-efficient performance and safety whenever you drive and tyre-related breakdowns are believed to be a huge cause for concern according to National Highways. To ensure your tyres are fit for the roads, do the following checks:

• Measure your tread depth using a 20p coin. This should be a minimum of 1.6mm to meet the legal limit in the UK
• Look for any cuts, bulges or nails in or around the tyre
• Make sure your tyre pressure is at the recommended amount. Consult your vehicle handbook or the footwell of your car door to see what the PSI should be

If your tyres don’t seem roadworthy, you may need to pick up a new set of tyres from a leading manufacturer like Bridgestone before your journey can begin.

Inspect your oil levels

Oil is essential for smooth engine operation, so make sure you have enough before you set off. Checking your oil levels is a quick and easy task that anyone can do. Simply pull out your oil dipstick, wipe it, pop it back in the oil hole and pull it out again. The amount of oil should be in line with the recommended amount on the dipstick. If it’s too low, you can either buy the oil and fill it up yourself or take it to a local garage.

Make sure your lights are working

If your drive will go on into the night, you’ll need to ensure your indicators, reverse, brake and headlights are all functioning. Get a friend or family member to inspect your lights while you turn them all on and off.  If any of them aren’t working, replace them with some of the best lights in the industry.

This should give you better visibility and they may last longer, so you won’t have to worry about blackouts in the future.

Some of the other features you should consider checking before you set off on your long drive include:

• Coolant levels
• Brakes
• Fuel levels
• Windscreen visibility

Embarking on a long drive? Safeguard your journey with essential vehicle checks. Start with the tires, ensuring proper inflation and tread depth. Examine the brakes for responsiveness and inspect all fluid levels, including oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Don’t forget to scrutinize the lights, ensuring optimal visibility. Confirm that the battery is in good condition, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Lastly, assess the wiper blades for effectiveness in adverse weather. These simple yet crucial checks not only enhance safety but also contribute to a smooth and worry-free road trip. Prioritize these precautions to enjoy the open road with confidence.