How to prepare your car for a long drive?

Long distance driving tips

Planning a road trip may seem easy-breezy - however, there is often a lot of preparation involved for going on a long journey. One of the best places to start is by making sure your car is fully equipped for the long-distance drive - as the last thing you want is to break down on the middle of the motorway!

Luckily, our guide tells you everything you need to know to prepare your car for a long drive.

Car checklist for road trip

• Tyres - to avoid any mishaps, ensure your tyres are in tip-top condition. Ensure that your tyres are properly inflated and that your tread depth is the minimum requirement of 1.6mm or above. You may want to purchase a spare tyre to eliminate any possibility of calamity.
• Brakes - if your brakes feel soft when you use them, this is an indicator that they may need replacing. It is essential to check your brake pads aren't too thin or worn down before your big journey.
• Lights - before you set off, it's worth asking a friend or family member to help check your lights are fully functioning. In some countries, it is a legal requirement to drive with headlights on both day and night. So, ensure you comply with the local laws wherever you are going.
• Fluid levels - ensure your engine oil, antifreeze and brake fluid are all topped up before you set off.
• Pack an emergency kit - in the case of an unexpected breakdown, an emergency kit could perhaps come in handy. This should include first aid kits, hi-vis jackets, a tyre puncture kit and spare bulbs for your headlights. In some countries, you may also need a warning triangle as required by law - so be sure to check out all the legal requirements before you travel.

Preparation before the road

After making sure your car is fully ready for the roads, ensure you carry out some last-minute preparations to ensure everything runs smoothly for the big drive:

• Pre-program the satnav - avoid getting distracted while driving by ensuring your satnav is all set up before you head off.
• Plan breaks - once you've planned your route, it's just as important to schedule regular intervals before you embark on your long road trip.
• Make sure your paperwork is accessible - this may include your driver's licence, insurance documents, tickets, travel documents and passports.
• Snacks - less important for car maintenance, but equally as important to ensure you have happy passengers - bringing plenty of snacks and drinks is the staple of a good road trip!

If you're setting off on a long journey, make sure your car is in the best condition possible by visiting a local PTA garage near you. For more information, do not hesitate to contact our helpful team.