The summer holidays are the ideal time to pack up your car and take a long drive across the country to get away for a week or so, but some people will be hesitant to take their car on a long trip.
The team at Oaks Services are here to give you a hand when it comes to preparing your car for any holiday, so your chances of trouble and stress are vastly reduced. It only takes a few simple considerations to make sure your holiday is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
Two weeks to a month before departure
Major repairs: If your car needs repairs or any work doing to it, it’s definitely best to get this taken care of far in advance. Leaving a month gives you plenty of time to deal with any problems related to the repair, should they occur, so you won’t be caught out while you’re on your trip.
Check the tyres / spare tyre: You certainly want to avoid any tyre problems when making your way down the motorways to your destination, so make sure things like tyre pressure, tyre tread and the general condition of your tyres are in working order. Get them replaced now if they are in poor condition; driving on damaged tyres can lead to a blowout, and that could prove fatal to you, your passengers and other drivers on the road.
You will also need to make sure that the spare tyre is in good condition, and that you have the correct tools with you in case you need to make any replacements on your travels.
One week before departure
Get your documents in order: You’ll want to make sure all your documents and registration are in order in advance instead of leaving it to a last minute panic. An owner’s manual, registration and proof of insurance should all be accounted for, and checking a week or so before your trip gives you time to find any documents you may have misplaced. Collect all the relevant information together and store them in the glove box; putting them all in one place in advance will take a weight off your mind and allow you to focus on other things.
Clean the inside of your car: Do a thorough clean out of the interior of your car to make sure you’re not hauling anything that takes up extra space or unnecessary weight. You might also want to invest in some sturdy back seat floor mats to prevent any long lasting mess or stains from any food and drink consumed along the journey.
Check the air filter: A clogged air filter can have a negative impact on the performance and economy of your car, so give it a clean or change it if necessary.
Plan your route: Knowing where you’re going will save an incredible amount of stress, frustration and arguments on the day of the trip, so plan your route in advance. This is especially useful if you plan on taking B roads or need to plan for alternate routes in case of traffic accidents and jams.
Check the tyres again: Give your tyres another inspection to make sure there hasn’t been a dramatic change in pressure or condition that might be a cue for concern.
One day before departure
Wash your car: While you got through the bulk of the cleaning a week before, go over the car and pick out any extra pieces of litter or mess that might have cropped up. Also give your car a nice scrubbing so it looks pristine condition for the long road ahead.
Fill her up: Arriving at your destination isn’t just a case of knowing where to go, it also means making sure you have enough fuel to make it there in the first place. Filling the tank up beforehand allows you to travel further before needing to top up, and you might be able to make the journey without topping up at all, which saves time and money.
Check the tyres one more time: Yet again! It never hurts to be thorough, so check the pressure once more make sure everything is in order.
On the day of departure
Load evenly: Distribute the weight of your luggage properly when you pack it so as not to put any undue pressure on the car itself. Cars can only carry so much, so don’t overload it.
Check your luggage: Look through your suitcases and check that you aren’t taking up space with unnecessary items. It’s easy to panic and over fill with items you might think are vital, but there’s probably a few things you don’t need to bring with you – especially if you’re only heading out for a two or three day getaway.
Oaks Services provide expert vehicle repair and maintenance to customers throughout the wider Surrey area. With first rate MOTs, services and repairs, our skilled mechanics will make sure your car is in full working order before you set off on that holiday drive. Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss all the services we provide.
