Car Journey Checks: A Snows How To Guide

Why Vehicle Preparation Matters Before a Long Journey

Before any long drive, it's worth spending a few minutes checking your vehicle. Simple issues such as low engine oil, underinflated tyres or low coolant levels can quickly turn a smooth journey into an expensive and stressful breakdown.

A quick pre-journey inspection can help:

- Reduce the risk of breakdowns

- Improve fuel efficiency

- Increase tyre life

- Improve vehicle handling

- Keep you and your passengers safer on the road

Whether you're heading away for a weekend break, a family holiday or a business trip, carrying out a few essential checks before setting off can provide valuable peace of mind.

1. Check Your Engine Oil

Engine oil keeps your engine lubricated and helps prevent excessive wear and overheating. If oil levels are too low, your engine has to work harder, potentially leading to costly damage.

Before a long drive:

• Check the oil level using the dipstick
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground
• Pull the dipstick out and wipe clean
• Insert dipstick back in and pull out slowly checking where the oil level reaches (the oil should fall between the min and max lines)
• Top up if necessary using the manufacturer's recommended oil
• Look for any warning lights on the dashboard

A quick oil check takes less than five minutes and could help avoid a major mechanical issue.

2. Check Your Coolant and Screen Wash

Your coolant helps regulate engine temperature. During long motorway journeys, your engine will be working continuously, making it even more important that coolant levels are correct.

Check:

• Coolant levels are between the minimum and maximum markers
• There are no signs of leaks around the engine bay
• Screen wash is topped up
• Fill both if necessary before setting off

Screen wash is often overlooked, but motorway driving quickly covers windscreens with dirt, insects and road spray, reducing visibility.

3. Tyre Pressure and Tread Depth

Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that is in contact with the road, making them one of the most important safety checks before any journey.

Before travelling:

• Check tyre pressures on all 4 wheels against car manufacturers recommendations
• You can purchase a tyre pump, or visit a local petrol garage where you can check the pressure of your tyres and pump up if needed
• Inspect all 4 tyres for cuts, bulges or damages
• Ensure tread depth is above the legal minimum (you can use a 20p coin to check this - if the outer rim of the coin is visible, your depth is at/below the legal depth)
• DON'T forget to inspect the spare wheel if your vehicle has one (this is just as important as your other tyres, as you may need to rely on this if anything happens)

4. Test Lights and Wipers

Poor visibility can significantly increase risk, particularly on longer journeys or in changing weather conditions (especially in the UK)

Check that all (below) are working correctly, turning on and bright enough.

• Headlights
• Brake lights (you will need a second person to check this whilst you put the brakes down)
• Indicators (can check these by just turning your hazards on)
• Reverse lights
• Fog lights

Whilst also checking this, it is important to check your windscreen wipers

• Are the front and back clearing the windscreens effectively?
• Are there any smears or streaks?
• Is there any damage to the windscreen that is obstructing your view?

5. Make Sure You're Ready for an Emergency

Consider carrying and having in your car:

• Mobile phone charger
• Torch (if you breakdown in the dark)
• High-vis jacket
• Warning triangle (place about 45 meters behind your vehicle to warn oncoming drivers BUT do not use on a motorway)
• Tyre pump and puncture repair kit

Having these essentials can make dealing with an unexpected delay, or breakdown easier and safer.

6. Plan Ahead and Driver Readiness

Running low on fuel or battery can create unnecessary stress, especially if you're travelling in an unfamiliar area.

Before leaving:

• Fill up your fuel tank where possible / Charge your car to 100%
• Plan refuelling stops for longer routes
• Check EV charging locations in advance
• Identify alternative charging points as a backup

A safe journey isn'tjust about vehicle preparation. Driver fatigue is one of the biggest risks on long-distance journeys.

• Plan and take regular breaks
• Stay hydrated
• Plan your route ahead of driving and check for any delays / re-routes before setting off.

Taking regular breaks can help maintain concentration and reduce the risk of accidents.

A long journey places greater demands on your vehicle than everyday driving, which is why a few simple checks before setting off are so important. Checking your oil, coolant, tyres, lights and other key safety items can help reduce the risk of breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency and ensure a safer, more enjoyable drive.

After all, spending 10 minutes preparing your vehicle is far better than spending hours waiting for roadside assistance.