What to Check Before a Long Drive: A UK Road Trip Checklist

A few minutes of preparation before setting off on a long journey can save you a lot of trouble on the road, particularly on motorways or in remote areas with limited breakdown cover response times. Here is a simple pre-drive checklist.

Tyres

Check tread depth and pressures on all four tyres and the spare, including any adjustment recommended for a fully loaded car. Look for cuts, bulges or uneven wear that might indicate a bigger problem.

Oil and coolant

Check the engine oil level and top up if needed, and confirm the coolant is between the minimum and maximum marks on the expansion tank when the engine is cold.

Lights

Walk around the car and check headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights are all working, ideally with someone else checking from outside while you operate each control.

Screen wash and wipers

Top up screen wash fully before a long trip, and check wiper blades are not streaking, particularly important given how quickly UK weather can change.

Brakes

Listen and feel for any unusual noise, pulling or vibration when braking gently in a safe location before you join a faster road.

Plan for breakdown cover and emergencies

• Confirm your breakdown cover is active and know how to contact your provider.
• Carry a fully charged phone and a charging cable.
• Pack a basic emergency kit: a torch, hi-vis vest, warning triangle, and a blanket in colder months.

Plan your route and rest stops

Check for known roadworks or closures on your route, and plan to take a short break roughly every two hours to stay alert, particularly on motorway journeys.

Load the car sensibly

Distribute weight evenly, secure loose items in the boot so they cannot move around, and make sure nothing obstructs your rear view or number plate.

None of this takes long, but it is the difference between a relaxed journey and an avoidable roadside problem. If anything feels wrong once you are moving - a new noise, warning light or handling change - find somewhere safe to stop and check it before continuing.