Planning a long car journey? Taking a few minutes for essential car checks before you leave can prevent breakdowns and keep you safe on the road. These simple pre-journey checks give you peace of mind and help avoid problems during your trip.
Why Car Checks Matter
Most breakdowns could be avoided with a quick visual inspection before travelling. Whether you’re heading to the coast or visiting family, checking your vehicle properly means you’ll spend less time at service stations dealing with problems and more time enjoying your journey.
Check Your Tyres
Your tyres are your car’s only contact with the road. When you check your tyres, look at three key things:
Tyre pressure Check your tyre pressures using a reliable gauge. The correct pressure is in your handbook or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Remember to check the tyre including the spare. Wrong pressure affects braking, steering, and fuel efficiency.
Tread depth The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. Use a 20p coin to check your tyre treads. If you can see the outer band, your tread is too low. Illegal tyres mean a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre.
Damage Look for cuts, bulges, or objects stuck in the tyre. Any damage needs fixing before your long journey.
Check Fluid Levels
Your car needs several fluids to work properly. Here’s your essential car check list:
| Fluid | Why It Matters | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | Prevents engine damage and breakdowns | Check the oil level with dipstick when engine is cold |
| Coolant | Stops engine overheating | Check coolant levels at reservoir between min/max marks |
| Brake fluid | Essential for safe braking | Check reservoir, must be above minimum mark |
| Screen wash | Keeps windscreen clean | Top up reservoir for good visibility |
Maintaining the correct fluid level for each of these prevents problems on a long journey.
Test Your Lights and Wipers
Before you set off, check all your lights work properly. Test your headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights. Ask someone to help or use reflections in windows to check brake lights.
Your windscreen wipers are just as important for visibility. Check the wiper blades aren’t worn or damaged. If they leave streaks or miss patches, replace them before travelling. Good wipers and plenty of screen wash mean you can see clearly in all weather.
Other Essential Checks
Air conditioning If you’re travelling in summer, test your air conditioning works properly. A comfortable temperature helps you stay alert on long journeys.
Warning lights Turn on your ignition and watch your dashboard. Any warning lights that stay on after starting the engine need checking before you travel.
Fuel level Always start with at least a quarter tank of fuel. Running out can mean a Fixed Penalty Notice in some locations.
When to Get Professional Help
Sometimes problems need expert attention. If your car makes unusual noises or pulls to one side, book a car diagnostics check before travelling. Modern cars use complex computer systems, and professional diagnostics can spot issues you might miss.
Many garages offer a free car check or number plate check service. These quick inspections can identify problems before they cause breakdowns.
During Your Journey
Plan regular breaks every two hours. If you notice changes in how your car drives, find a safe place at service stations to investigate. The THINK! campaign offers excellent advice on vehicle safety and what to do if problems occur.
Final Thoughts
These essential car checks take just 10 to 15 minutes but make a huge difference to your journey. When you check your vehicle before travelling, you catch problems early and avoid the stress of roadside breakdowns.
Regular servicing also keeps your car reliable between longer trips. A qualified mechanic spots potential issues during routine maintenance and fixes them before they leave you stranded.
Making pre-journey checks a habit means every long journey starts with confidence. Take the time to check properly and you’ll enjoy safer, smoother travels.
