A road trip can be a tremendously rewarding way to spend your time off. But your enjoyment of the experience will depend on how fit your car is for the challenge. By investing a little bit of time and money into preparation, you can help ensure that you’re driving a car that’s fit for the road. You’ll minimise the likelihood of a breakdown, and maximise the likelihood of an adventure you’ll remember for all the right reasons.

Conduct Comprehensive Vehicle Checks

Before you set off, you’ll want to go through your car from top to bottom. Make a list of essential
checks, and run through them. This means checking your levels of oil, screenwash and coolant, and topping up these reservoirs where appropriate.

Windscreen wipers and lights are designed to be periodically replaced. Check yours and swap them where necessary.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s essential that you check your tyres. The tread should be well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm and inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you’re carrying a slightly heavier load, you might put a little more air in than you otherwise would.

If you have a service or an MOT due, you might also consider bringing it forward. That way, you can address any hidden problems before they have a chance to bring your trip to a halt.

Verify Legal Requirements and Documentation

You’ll need to be licensed to drive, and your vehicle will need to have passed an MOT (if it’s older than three years). If you’re travelling overseas, then you might also need to follow additional rules. Make sure that you understand the rules of the roads you’re driving on. For example, if you’re going to be driving on the right side of the road, you might need to alter your headlights.

Wherever you’re driving, having a car insurance policy is going to be a legal requirement. Make sure that your policy offers the level of protection you need, and that you’ll be covered for the kind of vehicle you’ll actually be driving.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

However stringently you prepare for your road trip, there will always be a chance that you’ll end up stranded at the side of the road. Be sure to prepare for this situation. Keep a special kit on board, including warning triangles, first-aid kits, reflective triangles, jacks and spare tyres. If it’s winter, you’ll also want to include blankets, ice-scrapers and hand warmers.

Plan for Comfort and Convenience

To ensure that the trip is as comfortable as possible, you’ll want to stock the car with food, drink, and entertainment. This is particularly important if there are small children in the car with you. Satisfying snacks like nuts will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Make sure that you take regular breaks, too. They’ll help to break up the trip and keep your concentration levels high.