All opinions are mine and mine alone.
Most of us are starting to get excited about our summer holidays. Some of you will be counting down the days until you head off to the airport to jet across to some exotic destination. But, for many of us, it’s a caravan break in this country, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s a great way to spend time with your family without breaking the bank and driving means that you’ll have your own car with you while you are away.
But, few of us drive long distances regularly. Even if you have a daily commute, it’s probably not as far as you will be travelling to get to your accommodation on holiday. Have you asked yourself if your car is really up to such a trip? It might manage short distances without issue, but a long journey is quite different. It can be a shock to you as a driver too if you are used to only driving for short periods at a time.
Consider Making a Change
If you’ve got an old and unreliable car, and you plan on taking long trips more regularly, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Check out some options on https://www.foxhayescarsales.co.uk/locations/exeter if you are looking for a reliable vehicle that will keep your family safe and make long trips more comfortable.
Check Your Insurance And Breakdown Cover
If you’re going to make a long trip, the last thing you want is to break down and end up stuck at the side of the road. Make sure your breakdown cover is up to date so you can call for help if you need it. Check your liability car insurance coverage too to make sure you’re covered if you’re involved in an accident.
Take it in for a Service
You should get your car serviced every 10000 miles, or every year, whichever comes sooner, but most of us don’t. Many of us wait until there’s a problem. Having regular services can help to keep your car safe, and give you a chance to spot issues before they become more expensive or even dangerous problems. If you are preparing for a long trip, there’s no better time.
Perform Basic Checks
You should always perform necessary safety checks in the week before any long trip, even if you are driving a brand new car that’s been recently serviced. You’ll want to check that all of your lights are working, your fluid levels and your breaks. You should also check tyre pressure and dashboard lights. Take a look at how to check some elements at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTLKUC9HkFU and make sure you give yourself enough time to rectify any problems before you leave.
Pack Emergency Supplies
If you are taking a long trip, you’ll want to pack some entertainment, snacks, and drinks. But, it’s also a good idea to think about what you would do in an emergency. Pack an essential toolkit and a torch, as well as blankets and drinks. You should also make sure you’ve got a map book, a car phone charger and the contact details of a breakdown service and your insurance company.
Get it Cleaned
There’s something about driving a nice clean car that makes you feel good. This, on its own, is great. But, a clean vehicle can also give you a big confidence boost, and even make you a better driver. Wash the outside and clean out and hoover the inside, or take it for a valet, just before your trip for a stylish and comfortable journey.
Always Be On The Safe Side
You never know what is going to happen on the road at any given time, so you need to take precautions. Make sure that your insurance is up to date and that you have invested in one of the best dash cams available. This way, if there is an incident, you will at least be able to see what happened and prove it if need be. You need to protect yourself and the people in the car, which is why these precautions are necessary. And if something happens when you’re on the road, remember that you don’t have to establish liability for a car accident on your own. This applies even when you’re in a foreign country where driving laws may be different!
Speak Your Mind