A practical checklist to help you prepare your vehicle before a long road trip, holiday journey or extended drive.
A few basic checks before a long trip can help reduce the risk of breakdowns and identify maintenance issues before you leave.
Check all tyre pressures when cold, including the spare where applicable. Correct pressure is important for handling, tyre wear and fuel use.
Inspect tread depth, cuts, cracking, bulges and uneven wear. Damaged or badly worn tyres should be dealt with before a long journey.
Pay attention to squealing, grinding, vibration, pulling or reduced braking performance before travelling.
Check the oil level and make sure there are no obvious leaks or signs that the vehicle is using oil unusually quickly.
Check coolant level when the engine is cold and inspect for leaks, cracked hoses or signs of overheating.
Slow starting, dim lights or electrical problems may indicate a weak battery or charging-system issue.
Test headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights and number plate lights before setting off.
Check wiper blades, washer operation and fluid level so visibility is not compromised in rain or dirty road conditions.
Look underneath the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, brake-fluid or other leaks that should be investigated before travelling.
Inspect visible belts and hoses for cracking, wear, swelling or leaks. A failed hose or belt can quickly cause a breakdown.
Knocking, looseness, pulling or unusual steering behaviour should be checked before a long-distance trip.
Make sure the spare wheel, jack, wheel spanner and locking-wheel-nut key are present and usable where applicable.
Before You Leave
A short drive before your trip can help you notice changes that may not be obvious while the vehicle is parked.
Depending on the vehicle and journey, it is worth making sure you have the basics before travelling.
If your vehicle shows any of these signs before a long journey, it is better to have the issue checked before you leave.
Rising temperature, coolant loss or steam from the engine bay can indicate a serious cooling-system problem.
Grinding, vibration, pulling or a change in brake-pedal feel should be inspected before travelling.
Engine, oil-pressure, temperature, brake or charging-system warning lights should not simply be ignored.
Fresh oil, coolant or other fluid under the vehicle may indicate a fault that could worsen during a long trip.
Grinding, knocking, rattling, squealing or clicking may be an early sign of mechanical wear or failure.
Poor acceleration, rough running or sudden loss of performance should be investigated before setting off.
Long-Distance Travel
Long-distance driving can place different demands on a vehicle compared with normal short trips and daily commuting.
If you would rather have the vehicle checked professionally before your trip, contact Probert Auto and tell us when you are travelling and what vehicle you drive.
Tell us your vehicle make, model and travel date and we can help you arrange a pre-holiday inspection.
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