Plan the perfect family road trip with these handy tips.
Plan the perfect family road trip with these handy tips.
Going on a family road trip is really exciting; you’ll make lots of great memories and have loads of fun on the way. But with so much to consider, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. By thinking hard about what you need to bring and doing some simple car maintenance checks before you set off, you’ll be well on your way to having a calm and stress-free journey.
When there’s so much to think about, it’s easy to forget the simple things. Start writing up a checklist a couple of weeks before your trip and keep adding to it as you go. It’s a great way of making sure you don’t leave anything important behind (and minimising any last-minute snags!).
Some essentials to bring along:
A first aid kit (including travel sickness remedies)
Cleaning items (toilet roll, wipes, and a few plastic bags for rubbish)
Travel pillows
Maps or sat nav
Food and water
Chargers for phones and gadgets
Camera
Sun cream
Changes of clothes
Cash
Leaving this one until the last minute is a recipe for disaster. Have a think about how you’ll keep the kids entertained in the car before you set off. Bring some snacks, gadgets and try organising a game to play en route.
As well as knowing your final destination, it’s a good idea to plan where you’ll take some rest breaks, too. It’ll break up the journey and you can even plan where you’ll stop, depending on the amenities available. For example, pulling up near a park is a good way for the kids to burn off some energy, and finding somewhere nice to stop for lunch can be something for everyone to look forward to.
Have a think about how you can save some money along the way. Food can be a big cost, so consider planning your meals in advance and even bringing some pre-cooked food with you in a cooler. Pack as light as you can, as that extra weight will have an impact on how much fuel you need. It’s a good idea to keep some cash aside for any unforeseen costs along the way.
As a rule of thumb, you should check your tyres once a month. However, it’s advisable to check them before embarking on a longer journey, as the tyres will be put under more strain than usual.
Firstly, give your tyres a once over to check for any bulges, cuts or abrasions.
Next, it’s a good idea to check your tread depths. The legal limit is 1.6 mm, although we’d advise you to stick to around the 3 mm mark, as it increases your stopping distance in wet conditions.
You should also check your tyre pressure, as the correct pressure for your vehicle changes when your car is loaded, so it’s important to adjust it before setting off on a long journey with luggage and kids in tow.
You’ll find your vehicle’s tyre pressure on the inner side of your driver’s door, inside the fuel cap or in your driver’s manual.
You can check your tyre pressure using a specialist gauge, which can be picked up from your local Arnold Clark Service centre.
If you don’t have one to hand, a 20p coin is a handy replacement, as the outer rim measures approximately 1.6 mm – the same as the legal limit. Simply place the 20p coin in the grooves of your tyre, and if you can still see some of the outer rim of the coin, the tread depth is too low and you’ll need to replace the tyre.
To check your engine’s oil level, simply locate and remove the dipstick in your car, wipe it clean and re-insert. When you take it out again, you’ll be able to see the oil level. Check that it is somewhere in between the two markers on the dipstick. If it’s lower, you’ll need to top up your oil using the correct grade for your vehicle.
Your engine’s coolant (also known as antifreeze) level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the side of the expansion tank. If it’s low, you’ll need to top it up. Just make sure you get the right type, as the different types available don’t mix well together.
If your vehicle is between its scheduled service periods, we’ll top up your oil and coolant for free.
If you’re heading off on a UK road trip, unfortunately there’s a high chance you’ll encounter some rain along the way. Make sure your windscreen wipers are fully functional, and that your screenwash fluid is topped up.
Check the wipers themselves, too. Are they smearing? Have they become ripped or torn? If so, you’ll need to replace them.
There are a few different types of wiper blades available, and some are trickier to fit than others. If you’re unsure, bring your car along to your local Arnold Clark Service Centre for advice.
Although the days are getting longer, you’ll still need to make sure your lights are working before setting off on your trip. Not only do you need to make sure you’re visible when driving at night, but you could also get an on-the-spot fine if you’re caught with a broken light.
Why not get the kids involved and ask them to stand outside of the car and give you the thumbs up or thumbs down while you test your lights are working?
Keeping on top of your fluid levels reduces the risk of breakdown.
You’ve already checked your engine oil, coolant and screenwash fluid, but there are a few more important ones to check before your journey.
Take a look at each one and ensure the level is somewhere in-between the minimum and maximum levels marked.
Now all that’s left to do is to enjoy your holiday!
