Tips To Prepare Your Vehicle For A Summer Road Trip

Summer is here and as we experience record temperatures in the UK, you might be thinking of or have already planned a summer road trip. This might be a staycation or a trip to Europe. Before setting off, you want to make sure your vehicle is in tiptop condition in order to prevent calamities that could have been avoided. Of course, there is no 100 percent guarantee that following our guide will prevent a breakdown, but your vehicle will have been checked. We also include some things that should always be in your vehicle in case the worst does happen. K&M Citroen and our sister company K&M Tyres are based in Crowborough, East Sussex and in our latest article we bring you our top tips for preparing your vehicle for a summer road trip. These include pre-road trip maintenance checks and those essentials you should take with you including things that will guarantee a comfortable journey.

Maintenance checklist for your summer road trip

• Tyres – check tyre condition and pressure
• Fluids – ensure all fluids are topped up to correct levels
• Windscreen wipers – clean and free from damage
• Lights – check they are working
• Air conditioning – consider regassing before you set off
• Battery – check that there is plenty of life left
• Essential supplies – take basic equipment

Check all tyres for condition and pressure

Check all tyres carefully for any splits, tears or cracks as well as tread depth, which should be at least 1.6mm. Tyre pressures should be checked a few days before you leave on your journey and a day or two before to make sure you do not have any slow punctures. If you are carrying more weight than normal, your tyre pressures should be adjusted accordingly. Or better still, let K&M Tyres do this for you. We stock a wide range of premium, budget and seasonal tyres.

Fluids, lights and batteries

Obvious things to check are the oil level, brake fluid and screen wash. Wipers must be in good condition and if you are travelling abroad you will need beam deflectors on your lights. You might want your local garage to check your battery, as you want the car to start immediately.

Plan your summer road trip and share the driving

Before you leave for your trip, and before every day of driving, make sure you plan your trip including where you can stop. The government actually advise taking a fifteen-minute rest every two to three hours. It therefore helps if you can share the driving! You should also check road works and weather conditions.

Pack essential road trip items

• Important documents – driving licence, insurance (car and travel)
• Breakdown cover
• First-aid kit – bandages, plasters and insect sprays
• Torch – in case your phone is not charged
• Loose change – tolls and car parking fees
• A map in case the sat-nav fails

Make sure you are comfortable on your summer road trip drive

You should also think about comfort whilst you are driving. Sunglasses are a must to shield your eyes from glare. The only certainly about the British weather and that on the continent is its unpredictability so always take some warm clothes, weatherproof gear, an umbrella and walking boots. And just in case you break down, duvets, blankets and sleeping bags. Water is essential for keeping your hydrated and always have snacks available including fruit, chocolate bars and nuts to give you an energy boost. And don’t forget music and games as well as toiletries including hand wipes, sun cream and prescription medicine.

How can K&M Citroen help you prepare for your summer road trip?

We can’t help you get your important documents together or make sure you don’t forget anything, but we can make sure your vehicle is in tip top condition, maintenance wise for your summer road trip. We are an independent tyre and car maintenance service centre in Crowborough, East Sussex. Call us on 01892 653131 to book your vehicle in for tyre, battery, air conditioning and general maintenance checks.