Top tips for a long car journey

Top tips for a long car journey – After what feels like the longest winter, it’s finally getting warmer. With so many ‘staycations’ in the past couple of years, it means that more of us will be using our cars as a means of getting to our holiday destination this summer. If you are travelling a long distance, then there are some things you should do to prepare.

How to check your car is prepared for a long journey

Warm weather, long distances, and the added weight of the whole family, pets, and luggage, can put strain on your car. So about a week before you set off, carry out these quick checks to make sure you are ‘car ready’! If there is anything Crescent Motors can help you with, let us know. Call us on http://01283 509000 or email us here.

How to check your car is prepared for a long journey

Tyres

If there is something wrong then it’s quite easy to spot. Check each wheel individually and check for cuts, bulges and screws/nails. If you do spot any, then bring your car to Crescent Motoring Services in Wetmore Road. And we can also check the depth of each tyre. The law states that at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the middle two thirds of the tyre around the entire circumference. However, many recommend at least 3mm.

Something else you will have to check is your tyre pressure. You can do this using a specialised gauge, the gauge on a foot pump or tyre compressor or by using a tyre inflator at a petrol station. Check in with us if you need help though.

Coolant check

Always check your coolant. To check your coolant you will wait until your engine is cool and find the coolant reservoir (your car manual should tell you where it is). There will be coloured fluid inside and the level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.

If it’s low, then you will need to top it up.

Windscreen wipers

Fingers crossed you won’t need to use your windscreen wipers when holidaying this year but you do still need to make sure they work as it’s illegal if they don’t.

You will need to make sure you have enough washer fluid and top it up if necessary. You might also want to check your washer jets are directed at your windscreen and not over it. You can adjust them by putting a pin in the hole and moving them.

Then, check the wipers. If they have split or smear water then you will need to replace them. You can do this by pulling each wiper off the screen and putting them at a 90 degree angle. Slide out the clip to remove the wiper. Do the reverse of this when putting new ones in.

Air Conditioning

It might not be used as much as we’d hope in the UK during the summer months, but getting stuck in traffic on a hot day with no air conditioning is not ideal at all.

To make sure your air conditioning is in working order, turn the temperature to its coldest setting and turn the fans to maximum. If it’s ice cold then it’s working. If not, then the refrigerant may need topping up. Again, if this needs doing, let us know and Crescent Motoring Services can help.

Air Conditioning check

Breakdown cover

Breaking down in the UK isn’t ideal, but breaking down abroad could be a nightmare. Make sure you know what happens in every scenario to stop any nasty surprises. Make sure you have everything you need for a long car journey

This applies to driving in the UK and abroad. Make sure that you have everything you need. This includes making sure that food and drink is accessible, the Sat-Nav or maps are also within reach and that everything is charged up.

Plan where you’re going to stop, some services are much nicer than others so do some research before you set off.

But the main thing is to enjoy your journey. Take in your surroundings or take detours to see tourist attractions.

To conclude, be sensible about what you keep in your car boot in addition to your luggage. Fist aid kit, blanket, red triangle, sick bags, water are always good things to have.

So, that’s it for now for ‘ Top tips for a long car journey’!

Happy holidaying from the team at Crescent Motoring Services!