Ten important checks before a long car journey

When going on a long journey it is important to check your car is in full working order to ensure that it is safe. It is always good to have the car serviced regularly but it is also good to make sure the following important checks, as highlighted by the AA, are made before going on a long journey.

First check the tyres. The correct tread depth and pressure should be ensured as well as checking for cuts in the sidewalls. Check that the spare tyre is also in good order just in case a swap is required. In order to change the tyres in case of a breakdown, a toolkit will also be required containing the minimum of a jack and some sort of key to unlock the nuts on the wheels. Ensure that there is a spare headlight bulb as well as a first aid box.

Check the dipstick of the engine oil to make sure it is between the minimum and maximum markers. Check this every two weeks at minimum to ensure that the car is safe to drive. If the colour of the engine oil turns black then it will have to be changed at a service stop. Check the Water Coolant levels as they ensure that the water does not freeze as well as produce corrosion. It is especially important to do this in the winter but is also an important check throughout the year. Do this when the engine is cold.

Check the wiper blades to ensure they are not damaged or worn out and could potentially scratch or damage the window. The wipers have to be in working order at all times just in case it rains heavily. Check this on the front and back windows. In addition, check the windscreen washer fluid as there is a legal requirement for this to be in good working order before being on the roads. Please check the windscreen to ensure it doesn’t have any cracks or chips. If it does then these need repairing immediately before the crack gets bigger and un-repairable because then the complete windscreen will need to be replaced.

The final check is to ensure that there isn't any dirt on any of the lights and to ensure that they are in good working order (including headlights, tail lights, brake lights and fog lights). Ensure that the power steering works as this is extremely important and if it doesn’t work then you could potentially lose control of the vehicle as it will start to feel heavy and un-controllable.

Other simple checks include ensuring there is a sufficient amount of fuel in the car, checking that the battery isn't more than 3 years old otherwise it needs to be changed or serviced to ensure it's in good working order. Finally, ensure that the licence plate is visible to all; this is also a legal requirement.