Road Trip Ready: How to Prepare for a Long Car Journey
Are you planning a road trip this Spring? Whether you're hitting the motorway and heading on a staycation, or you’re planning a long scenic drive through the countryside, it's important to ensure that you’re ready for the journey.
Below we cover everything you need to know about preparing for a long road trip, from fully inspecting your tyre pressure and tread, to packing your car up properly. With these tips, you can hit the road with confidence and enjoy the adventure ahead.
1. Carry out Car Maintenance Checks
Before setting off on your journey, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle is fully prepared. This includes checking your engine oil, tyre pressure and tread depth, lights, washer fluid, wiper blades, and your brakes. For more information on these important saftey checks, read our seasonal advice page.
2. Bring the Essentials
As well as checking that your car is safe to drive, remember to pack essential items. This includes items such as your sat nav and important documents, and also emergency supplies, including a first-aid kit, torch, blanket, screen wash top-up, spare tyre and phone charger.
3. Pack Your Car the Right Way
For a safe and smooth drive, it’s important to place your heaviest items towards the centre of your boot, and the largest items towards the back. It’s also important not to pack you items above the headrest level, as this could restrict your view out of the rear windscreen, and could also injure passengers when braking if the items shift forwards.
Another great idea for Easter staycations is using a roofbox to hold your lighter items. At Lloyd Motor Group, we offer a range of travel accessories from BMW, MINI, Land Rover, Jaguar, Kia, and Volvo. We're proud to offer everything from roof boxes and roof bars to bicycle racks, interior storage upgrades, pet accessories and more.
4. Remember to Take Breaks
It’s important to take regular brakes when going on long car journeys - Think! Recommends a 15-minute break every two or three hours. If you’re travelling with another driver, it’s also a good idea to share a long drive with someone else, taking it in turns to drive where possible.
5. Plan Ahead
Be sure to properly plan your route before you set off, and also plan where you’re going to stop for breaks along the way. It’s also a good idea to check the weather before you go, just in case you need to adjust your travelling time accordingly.
Taking the time to prepare for a long journey is an essential step to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable drive. From checking your vehicle over to packing your emergency kit, every step will make a big difference in the overall success of your trip. By following our tips, you can have full peace of mind throughout your journey, knowing that your vehicle is in top condition and that you’re ready for whatever the trip may bring!
Need some road trip inspiration? Below you can find some of favourite road trip routes, taking you across Yorkshire, Norhumberland and the Lake District.
