Whether you're heading for a staycation in the Highlands or a family road trip across the UK, making sure your car is ready for the journey is just as important as packing your bags. The last thing anyone wants is a breakdown on the way to the beach!
To make things a little easier before you set off, we’ve put together a simple checklist to reduce the risk of breakdowns and keep your holidays smooth and stress free.
1. Check your tyres
What to look out for:
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Tread depth: Make sure your tread depth is at least 1.6mm, ideally 3mm for wet weather grip. You can do this at home with the 20p trick – this involves inserting a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyres. If the outer band of the coin is obscured by the tread, your tyres tread depth is likely above the legal minimum required, but if you can see the outer band, your tread depth is too shallow and dangerous. These should be replaced as quickly as you can.
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Pressure: Check your tyres, including the spare if you have one, and inflate to the recommended PSI. Unsure of the PSI your tyre needs? This can always be found in your car's manual and sometimes on the driver’s door sticker.
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Condition: Check your tyres for cracks, bulges or signs of uneven wear. Driving with tyres that have any of these issues can be dangerous.
TOP TIP: Consider investing in a portable tyre inflator and tyre sealant for emergencies on the road.
2. Top up your fluids
Check and top up the following:
TOP TIP: If your oil is looking dirty or your coolant is low more often than expected, it might be time for a service before your trip.
3. Test your battery
Nothing is worse than a flat battery before starting your journey, so double-check the following setting off:
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Check for signs of corrosion on the terminals.
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If your car has been sitting unused or slow to start, get the battery tested or consider a replacement.
TOP TIP: Long drives, air conditioning and charging devices can all strain your battery.
4. Lights and indicators
Do a quick walk around with a friend or family member and check all external lights. This includes:
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Headlights
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Brake lights
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Indicators
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Fog lights
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Reverse lights
TOP TIP: Use our registration part finder tool to find the right lights for your car if they need replacing.
5. Wipers and windscreen
A dirty windscreen can be dangerous on the road, not just for yourself but for others too.
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Check for smearing or squeaking – these are signs that the wiper blades need replacing.
TOP TIP: Before setting off, make sure you’ve cleaned the inside of your windscreen for maximum visibility.
6. Brakes and suspension
Before any long trip, make sure to pay special attention to your brakes while you are out and about in your vehicle. It’s important to look out for:
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Juddering or pulling to one side when applying the brakes.
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Vibrations in the steering wheel.
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Squeaking noises when applying the brakes.
If you notice anything unusual about your brakes, it’s probably time to replace them.
TOP TIP: Check your brakes in low-speed zones in a safe and quiet area where you won't disturb other drivers.
7. Emergency essentials
In the event that something does go wrong, it’s important to be prepared. Remember to bring the following essentials for peace of mind:
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Warning triangle
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Hi-Vis jackets
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First aid kits
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Jump leads or a portable battery pack
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Torch
You can get all of these essentials in a premium motoring travel kit.
TOP TIP: Travelling abroad? Check the legal requirements for driving in your destination, as items like headlamp beam converters or breathalysers may be compulsory.
8. Last items to check
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While the following points might not be essential, they are useful to have if you’re planning a long journey: Update your sat nav or maps app before leaving so you have the most up-to-date routes and information to hand.
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Know your car’s fuel range and plan ahead with fuel stops in mind.
If you spot anything that needs fixing or replacing, Arnold Clark Autoparts has a wide range of parts, tools, and accessories to keep your car in top shape.
Pop into your nearest branch or visit our website to shop online.
Stay safe, enjoy your holiday – and happy driving!
