Road Travel Tips

Despite rises in the cost of motoring and concerns for the environment, the car is still the most popular and convenient way to get from A to B, and one of the most enjoyable too. With any car journey, particularly over longer distances, preparation and prevention are key, and this includes ensuring that your car is able to withstand the rigours of the road and that you are adequately prepared for the journey ahead.

Preparation and Prevention

Before embarking on your road trip, make sure your car is in good shape. Check tyre pressures and also examine your tyres for signs of wear and tear, including the spare wheel. If your car is in need of routine maintenance or servicing, you should get that done as a priority, rather than waiting until you get back. Never ignore a windscreen chip – get it fixed before it becomes necessary to replace the windscreen entirely.

Just before you go, you should check the coolant and screenwash levels, and clean the inside and outside of the car, especially the windscreen.

Take care when loading your car to pack it evenly and carefully, and to carry only those items you really need. A heavily laden car will use more fuel and may even handle badly. In the event of any kind of accident, unsecured items will fly around in the car, so pack everything you can into the boot, or use cargo nets in an estate car.

On the Road

Although modern satellite navigation systems are excellent, it is still sensible to carry a map in your car and to make sure that you know how to read one. Plan your route in advance, but be prepared to make deviations. Local radio stations can supply up–to–the–minute traffic information, and you can also research this online or by telephone before you leave.

Depart with a full tank of fuel, and ensure that you refuel in plenty of time. A long trip can be very taxing, and you should stop regularly. Don’t eat and drink – or smoke – when driving; do this during rest breaks. High–speed driving means that you have less time in which to react. Keep to a sensible speed and stay alert. You should try to ensure that your passengers do not distract you unnecessarily.

If your car should break down, you should try to pull over, preferably near an emergency telephone point. Get out using the left hand doors, and move away from the car. Look for signs to identify your location (an emergency telephone will supply this exactly) and call for help. Don’t attempt even the simplest of repairs yourself, unless you have managed to park right off the road in a safe space.

General Tips

When planning a long road trip, it–s well worth investing in breakdown cover. This is especially useful if you are driving an older car, or are travelling alone, or with young children. Cover is tailored to meet your particular needs and may include: European cover, roadside assistance, onward travel assistance and emergency repair.

Always ensure that you have suitable car insurance in place, and that it covers you to drive overseas, if that’s your intention. You should check that there are no restrictions on your cover and that all drivers are included on the policy. When taking out a new car insurance policy, be sure to compare on policy features as well as price, that way you can be certain that you have the right level of cover for your needs.

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This page was last updated
Saturday, 29-Jan-2011

When Driving Long Distance Make Sure Your Car is Well Insured