Simple Checks Before a Long Journey

By Safe Jacking and Axle Stand Use
Comments 35
30 Jul 2026

Start With the Tyres

Tyres are the only part of your car in contact with the road, so they deserve your first attention. Check pressures when the tyres are cold — before you have driven more than a mile or two. Use the figures in your handbook or on the driver's door pillar, not the maximum pressure moulded into the tyre sidewall. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, burn more fuel, and can overheat on a long motorway run. Over-inflated tyres reduce grip and wear unevenly.

While you are at it, inspect each tyre for cuts, bulges, or objects lodged in the tread. A bulge in the sidewall means internal damage and a replacement is needed before you travel. Check tread depth across the full width: the legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm, but for wet weather safety and long journeys, 3mm is a wiser limit. Don't forget the spare. A spare tyre with 20 psi is little better than no spare at all. If your car uses a space-saver, check its higher pressure — often 60 psi — and remember it is limited to around 50 mph.

Coolant, Oil and Screen Wash

With the engine cold, check the coolant level in the expansion tank. It should sit between the min and max marks. If it is low, top up with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water — not plain water, which dilutes protection and raises the freezing point. Never remove the coolant cap when the engine is hot; pressurised hot coolant can cause severe burns.

Next, pull the oil dipstick. Wipe it, reinsert, and check the level is between the min and max marks. If it is near the minimum, add the correct grade of oil in small amounts, checking as you go. Overfilling is as harmful as underfilling. A quick look at the brake fluid reservoir is also worthwhile; if the level has dropped noticeably, have the system checked for leaks before you set off.

Screen wash is easy to overlook but vital. Use a proper screen wash additive at the correct concentration for the season — not washing-up liquid, which can smear and damage rubber. A weak mix can freeze in winter and leave you blind on a slushy motorway.

Lights and Wipers

Ask a helper to walk around the car while you operate the controls, or park facing a wall or shop window to see reflections. Check headlights on both dipped and main beam, sidelights, indicators front and rear, brake lights, reverse lights, and rear fog lights. A failed brake light is both dangerous and an MOT failure. Clean the lenses with a soft cloth; a film of road grime can cut light output significantly.

Wiper blades are a common cause of poor visibility. If they leave streaks, chatter, or miss patches, replace them. Blades are inexpensive and usually fit in minutes. While you are there, check the washer jets are aimed correctly and not blocked. Top up the reservoir after checking. Finally, give the windscreen a thorough clean inside and out. A smeary interior glass turns low sun into a blinding glare.

Battery, Belts and Hoses

A flat battery is one of the most common breakdown causes. Look at the terminals: they should be clean, tight, and free from white or green corrosion. If your battery is more than four or five years old, have it tested — many garages offer this free. A weak battery may start the car around town but fail after a long, hot motorway run.

Inspect drive belts for cracks, glazing, or frayed edges. A squealing belt on start-up is a warning sign. Check hoses for soft spots, bulges, or leaks, particularly around the clamps. A hose that fails on a long journey can lead to overheating and an expensive recovery. If in doubt, replace before you travel.

The Boot and Final Checks

Pack a practical kit so you are ready for minor trouble. A well-stocked boot takes up little space and can save a long wait at the roadside. Consider carrying:

A spare tyre or inflation kit, jack, and wheel brace — check the spare pressure and that the jack works.
A warning triangle, first aid kit, torch, and high-visibility vest.
A litre of oil, a bottle of coolant mix, and some water.
In winter, a scraper, de-icer, and warm gloves. In summer, extra water.

Finally, think about fuel economy. Correct tyre pressures alone can improve fuel consumption by a few per cent. Remove unnecessary weight and roof racks if not needed, as they add drag. Plan your route to avoid known congestion, and take breaks every two hours. A few simple checks before you leave — perhaps twenty minutes — reduce the chance of a breakdown, improve your fuel economy, and let you enjoy the drive. Your car will thank you, and so will your passengers.

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5 Comments

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- John Abraham says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
  
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  - Robert Sonnysays Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
    
    I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
    Reply
Robert Sonny says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am

I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
Reply

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