We all love a long drive. There’s just something about cruising with some music on and the open road ahead. It’s one of life’s great pleasures but it’s safe to say that nothing can ruin a long drive more than car trouble. A flat on the motorway. Running out of fuel on an isolated road. A rising temperature gauge that’s out of control. A bright engine light that indicates a problem. We’ve all been there! To avoid these issues, we’re about to share some essential car safety checks you should take before a long drive.

See your Mechanic 

If you’re going on a very long drive, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to your local Bexley mechanic before you set off. You’ll be able to get the basics checked to ensure there are no major issues with the engine etc. Ask specifically about the pressure in the tyres, the condition of the spare tyre and whether there’s any sign of uneven wear and tear in the tyres. Also check on coolant levels, oil level and check for brake fluid too. Windscreen wiper fluid will also need to be checked and be sure to ask about things like the condition of the suspension and steering systems.

Emergency Kit

Ensuring you have an emergency kit on board should be one of your top priorities before leaving home. You need to be prepared for unexpected situations that may arise. The kit should include all of the following;

Spare tyre, jack, and wheel brace

Jumper cables

First aid kit

Torch with extra batteries

Basic tools (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench)

Phone charger and power bank

If you need help putting a kit together, check in with your Bexley mechanic for some advice.

Plan Ahead 

It’s important to have a plan if you want the journey to go smoothly. Map out the route from A to B and schedule in some stops for rest and refueling. Roadworks/accidents may put a dent in those plans so always have a backup route. Make sure you have both routes saved in offline mode as you may not always have access to the internet. Share both routes with a family member/friend so someone has a copy of your planned stops throughout the journey.

These are just some of the steps you should take to ensure your long drive goes as smoothly as possible. It’s a good idea to write out a checklist and tick off each item as you complete it. Remember; if you fail to plan, you plan to fail so be prepared!