Setting off on a road trip is an exciting time but it’s vital to check your vehicle safety first! You don’t want your adventure to be spoiled by a breakdown, which could leave you stranded and unable to get back home. The RAC attends more than 2.5 million roadside call-outs every year. With a few simple maintenance checks before your departure date, you could avoid becoming part of that statistic – and, most importantly, have a fun and worry-free adventure.
Essential safety checks for a road trip
Check tires, brakes and lights
Before you set off, there are a few simple checks to carry out. Firstly, make sure that your brakes are responsive and give you safe stopping times. You could test this on a quiet street near your home by carrying out an emergency stop maneuver, where it is safe to do so.
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Next, walk around your vehicle and confirm that all your lights are working properly. This includes your headlights, fog lights and indicators. To check the brake lights, you can either park near a reflective surface or ask a friend to check for you. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, you could be fined up to £1,000 if you’re stopped by the police while driving with faulty lights.
Update your tax, MOT and insurance status
Driving safely and legally is important on any journey, but taking risks could be even more consequential if you’re far away from home. Before any long trip, you should always:
- Keep your car taxed. You can either pay annually or monthly, which can make things more affordable. If you drive an electric or low-emissions vehicle, it will likely be exempt.
- Make sure that your vehicle’s MOT is valid; driving without one can result in fines up to £2,500. If it’s due to expire within a month, it’s worth getting a fresh certificate before your trip.
- Take time to ensure your car insurance policy is valid and active for the duration of the trip. You can check your insurance status using free online services.
Top up essential fluids and check the battery
Finally, make sure that your engine oil, coolant, and screen wash levels are adequate. Remember that your car might use more fluid than usual if you’re driving in hot weather or lots of stop-start traffic on the motorway. We also recommend checking your battery’s condition, since battery-related issues are a common cause of breakdowns. If you have a multimeter, you can carry out this check at home.
It’s worth topping up with more fuel than you think you’ll need. Unpredictable traffic conditions, high temperatures and unexpected diversions may increase your consumption. Plus, nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with a smooth journey!
With these 3 key steps in mind, you’ll be on your way to having a safe and successful road trip. Buckle up and have fun!
Adventure On!
