Getting ready for the trip of a lifetime this summer?
Whether you’re setting off with friends, family or your soulmate, it’s important to set your journey up for success. From checking the health of your car to planning the most appropriate routes, there are a few steps that will help you to prepare in the most effective way.
No matter how far you’re heading, here’s how you can get ready for successful summer road trips this year.
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1. Prepare your car
Firstly, you might want to carry out some essential vehicle checks before you embark on the trip. These should include:
- Tyre pressure: Top up your tyres according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle model and expected load weight. You can use a foot pump or use an air machine at a local fuel station, which is usually cheap or free.
- Engine oil: This fluid is responsible for keeping the mechanical parts in your engine lubricated and moving freely, preventing breakdown. When your engine is cool, check your oil levels and top it up with the correct oil type if needed.
- Coolant: Also known as antifreeze, this fluid prevents your car from overheating. Check the header tank and top up if necessary, keeping some spare coolant in the car during long, hot journeys.
- Brakes: Before you set off on a longer trip, try to check your brakes with some emergency stops. Make sure you carry out this test on a quiet road and only when safe to do so.
2. Pack smart
For your comfort and convenience, you should try to pack in the most sensible and space-saving way possible. There are a few must-have items for any road trip, including:
- Long-life snacks
- Plenty of bottled water
- First-aid kits, including sanitiser
- Portable chargers for mobile devices
- Age-appropriate entertainment options
And when it comes to your personal luggage for the trip, try to remember that packing light will give you more flexibility from one stop to the next.
3. Get covered
Making sure that you’re properly insured should be a perquisite for any journey, let alone a holiday or road trip.
Take some time to review your car insurance policy. You’ll want to make sure that your cover includes third-party liability and foreign travel, if necessary.
Comprehensive insurance is recommended for complete peace of mind. Whether you’re travelling inside or outside the UK, checking your car insurance policy is prudent before you go.
4. Stay connected
Keeping yourself connected and entertained during your trip will be key. From staying in off-grid locations to simply being stuck in traffic, knowing how to be self-sufficient really pays off on a road trip.
To keep your journey on course, downloading navigation apps and setting alerts for traffic conditions could be worthwhile too. Just make sure to manage your mobile data use carefully if you’re not on an unlimited network plan.
5. Plan your route, your way
Finally, don’t forget that the route you take is your choice. You might prefer to take the scenic route, swapping motorway miles for cruising on country roads and stopping at independent farm shops, for example.
The UK is teeming with beautiful routes to discover on four wheels. From the North Coast 500 in Scotland to the narrow lanes of Cornwall, you should try to plan your route for maximum safety and enjoyment too. Scenic views can make your adventure even better!
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