Summer weather in the UK can be hit and miss. But when the forecast is looking favourable, most will be looking to take advantage and make hay while the sun shines – or go on a road trip at least.
In this blog, we’ll give you a few pointers to make sure you are well prepared.
Plan your journey
Have your journey well planned and make sure you are certain about the route you are taking, and where services and fuel stations are should you need to stop for a break or to refuel. This will ensure that you aren’t wasting time and fuel, and can reach your destination on time.
Take Breaks
Driving when tired will affect your ability to concentrate and drive safely. If you are on a long journey, it can be easy to lose focus and become distracted, so take regular breaks where possible, and plan them into your journey if you can.
Phone Battery
Should you encounter an issue such as a breakdown or a medical emergency, you’ll want to make sure you can call for assistance if needed. Make sure that your phone is fully charged before you start your journey, and take a charging cable with you to use in the car.
First Aid Kit
Many new vehicles actually come with a first aid kit nowadays. However, it may be a good idea to prepare your own, especially if you are travelling with children.
Food and Drink
Although you may have planned to stop off at the services during your journey, you may want to stock up on food and drink should you end up stopping somewhere where there are no shops, or in the event of a breakdown where you may be waiting a while for assistance.
Fuel
Make sure you set off on your journey with an adequate amount of fuel for your journey, and are aware of where to fill up on the way should you need to. Did you know that it is a criminal offence to run out of fuel on certain roads due to safety reasons? We’ve even put a blog together with some tips on driving more economically.
Screen wash
Driving with no screen wash can be dangerous, especially in certain conditions as your windscreen could get dirty, affecting visibility. Make sure you have topped up before you start your journey, and where possible take a spare supply with you.
Oil Levels
You should check your oil levels regularly, preferably once a month, regardless of how many miles you do. When taking long journeys, it is even more vital as driving with too little oil can severely damage your engine, and can be dangerous too.
Air Conditioning
Driving in warm weather without air-con can be very unpleasant. If your car has air conditioning, make sure that it sufficient levels of gas and will work for the duration of your journey. Also, make sure you the cabin filters are replaced as part of your vehicle service to ensure good air quality.