5 essential car checks for long journeys
Everybody knows that when it comes to car journeys, we don’t have much luck! We have sat on that hard shoulder waiting for the rescue truck more times than I care to mention and, with four children, that is never fun! This year we promised ourselves that we would be responsible car owners and do regular checks on the car, especially before long journeys, to make sure that we spend less time on the road side and more time having fun!
1. Check your dipstick
Checking your oil is so important. Without oil your engine would seize up, break down and actually, the damage can lead to some pretty catastrophic repairs! It’s so easy to do, even I can manage it, but can save you a fortune long term!
2. Check your tyre pressure
TyrePlus are running a campaign to #TestYourTreads and its a great reminder to us all to test our tyre pressure. You can do this at most garages and petrol stations, and in all seriousness, it can prevent a tyre blowing and costing you way more than a repair bill, but even a life.
3. Check your tread
As well as the pressure, it’s so important to check your tread to make sure that they are legal and safe. The legal limit in the UK is 1.6mm across the centre of the tyre and if you’re not sure, it’s always best to pop into a garage where the majority will be more than happy to help you out.
4. Refill your screen wash
It sounds like common sense but I know that I often overlook my screen wash and it’s only when it runs out as I’m stuck not the motorway with a dirty windscreen that I realise. Keeping on top of it means you’ll never be caught short!
5. Check your coolant levels
Coolant protects your engine from extreme temperatures during the Winter, but also removes excessive heat from the engine. I know we have found ourselves stuck in traffic jams on a boiling hot day and seen the engine temperature going up and up, and thoroughly regretted not checking the coolant before we set off!
So there you go, our top five tips for essential car checks. And if you spot us on the hard shoulder this year you are free to point me in the direction of this post and remind me of my promise!
** This is a collaborative post **
This is something I neglect, often. Time seems to just rush past and getting a free minute to do the checks, or remember to do them isn’t always easy. I agree with post completely, something I really need to get on top off before it is too late….
Yes we made the mistake too many times and ended up really regretting it sat on that hard shoulder! xx
These are some great tips and something very important too. My family and I go on long trips often and for us, taking care of all these options is really essential.
Yes its so much better to be safe and confident in your vehicle! xx
These are all so important. I don’t drive but my husband always runs these checks before a long journey. If I could add Breakdown Insurance to your list. I was in a car which broke down on a busy motorway on a freezing day a couple of weeks ago and we’d still be there now if my friend didn’t have insurance. Great post, and a great reminder for everyone!
Oh that’s a great tip yes! We have breakdown cover, thank god, but many don’t! xx
In the old days I used to do all this – oil, tyres, screenwash the lot but since I moved from a tiny Ford KA to a bigger Skoda Roomster it’s all gone by the wayside and, shamefully, I tend to assume it’s all taken care of at the car service. I don’t do too much mileage which is probably just as well.
These are really useful tips! Definitely things that people tend to neglect and forget to check enough!
It really is so important to make these checks; always baffles me when people don’t before embarking on a long journey
I know, we certainly learned the hard way! xx
It is so important to do these checks and save the hassle later. Especially when on the road with kids.
Yes I agree, you can never be too safe! xxz
Safety is so important when taking a road trip. Great tips to get prepared for those long journeys!
I agree, it’s never worth the risk! xx