Car Maintenance Checks to Avoid Family Road Trip Disappointment

A family road trip should be an enjoyable adventure, full of fun memories to look back on. However, an unexpected breakdown can bring your journey to an abrupt halt and ruin all the excitement.

But by carrying out simple car maintenance checks before you set off, you can rest assured that you’ve done everything possible to avoid turning your fun family road trip into a disaster. Follow our top tips for getting your car ‘road trip ready’ and you’ll be cruising without a care in the world.

Check your engine oil level

Your engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, so ensuring you have enough for your journey is essential. Low or dirty oil won’t lubricate and cool your engine efficiently, which can cause overheating and permanent damage.

How to check your oil level:

• Park on a level surface and turn off the engine for a few minutes
• Locate the dipstick under your bonnet – usually marked with a yellow loop or handle
• Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, then fully reinsert it
• Pull it out again and check where the oil on the end of the dipstick sits between the minimum and maximum marks
• If it’s near the minimum mark, you’ll need to top it up using the oil recommended in your owner’s manual
• Locate the oil filler cap under the bonnet, unscrew it and pour in the oil little by little, rechecking the level with the dipstick each time
• Too much oil can also be damaging, so make sure not to overfill

For peace of mind that your engine is functioning properly before hitting the road this summer, book your vehicle in for a full diagnostic service with a reputable garage whose technicians will thoroughly check all engine systems and service any parts as required so you can travel safely.

Check your tyre tread and pressure

Having tyres with insufficient tread or incorrect pressure is extremely dangerous, particularly in wet conditions. Legally, tyre tread should be at least 1.6mm deep across the central three-quarters of the tread around its entire circumference.

You should also check your tyre pressures regularly and especially before a road trip. The correct pressures for your vehicle make and model will be listed in the owner’s manual or on the placard located in the fuel filler flap or door edge.

Tyres that are over or under-inflated wear out more quickly, handle poorly, reduce your fuel economy and are unsafe. By checking both tread and pressures before leaving you’ll have peace of mind that your vehicle will handle well, avoid breakdowns and most importantly keep you and your loved ones safe.

Check your fuel levels

One of the easiest vehicle checks before a road trip but also one of the most essential, is ensuring you have plenty of fuel for your journey. Last year, the AA attended more than 10,500 breakdowns where members had run out of fuel or electrical charge. Running low on or out of fuel completely while driving in remote locations could put you and your family in a vulnerable position, especially if you have young children or babies on board.

Check how many miles your vehicle can typically travel on a full tank to gauge how often you’ll need to refuel each day. When travelling rural roads with limited access to refuelling options, fill up at every opportunity. Never let your fuel gauge get into the red zone if you can avoid it.

Keeping enough fuel in your vehicle for your needs gives security in knowing you can reach your destination without worrying about finding the next petrol station and minimises the chance of your family road trip adventures being cut short.

Check for functional components

Ensure your windscreen wipers are functioning properly and wiper blades are not streaking, torn or brittle. Replace them if needed so you can drive safely in any weather conditions.

Check that your headlights, brake lights and indicators are all functioning correctly for visibility and safety. Scan your dashboard to ensure there are no warning lights on that could indicate issues needing attention before a long journey. Things like ABS, airbag, engine management system or catalytic convertor lights should be checked if illuminated.

Finally, test that features like your air conditioning, electric windows, central locking and entertainment system are all functioning for passenger comfort on the road trip ahead. Make any final checks that roof racks, bike racks, trailers or caravans are securely installed if carrying extra loads.

Check other essential fluids

As well as engine oil, there are a few other essential fluids in your vehicle that should be checked before embarking on a long drive. Coolant or antifreeze is vital for regulating your engine temperature in warm and cold weather. Locate the coolant tank (typically clear plastic) and check the level is between the two maximum and minimum marks and top up with a 50/50 mix of the specified grade if running low.

Your brake fluid reservoir will also have min/max markings – ensure the level is in the normal range for safe braking performance. Screenwash should be topped up to prevent your windscreen becoming smeared and obscured. Locate the filler points or reservoirs for each of these in your owner’s manual if unsure.

As a final check, press each fluid level dipstick or gauge firmly in place when finished and wipe away any spills to prevent damage or fires when the engine is running. Fluid level maintenance only takes a few minutes but is essential for the safe and efficient running of your vehicle.

Your road trip safety checklist

A summer staycation with family and friends should be an enjoyable and memorable experience for all the right reasons. By giving your family vehicle a comprehensive ‘MOT’ before you set off on your road trip adventure, you can have confidence in knowing you’ve done everything possible to avoid turning the journey into an unforgettable disappointment.

Follow our top tips for getting your vehicle ‘road trip ready’ and the only memories you’ll be making will be joyful ones. Stopping to refuel, rotate drivers, rest, eat and stretch your legs will become breaks to look forward to rather than emergency stops to fix problems. You’ll breeze through the miles with a smile on your face, your loved ones by your side and some summer tunes on the stereo.