Your Bank Holiday Road Trip Check List from Listers Volvo

Your Bank Holiday Road Trip Check List from Listers Volvo

Planning a staycation? Here are five simple checks you should make before heading off on a longer journey this month.

With not one, but two bank holidays in May to look forward to, it's the perfect time to plan a getaway. So, to help drivers stay safe, we're offering some top tips to ensure that your car is road trip ready.

No matter how far you're travelling, your car is the most crucial element of the trip - it's vital to sense-check that it is fit for a long journey and packed with the essentials, should the worst happen.

Follow our five simple checks below...

1. Check the condition of your car.

  • Check the car has plenty of fuel / is sufficiently charged.
  • Check the oil and coolant has been topped up.
  • Check the tyres have been inflated correctly.
  • Check the electrics are all working properly.
  • Check the lights have been tested and any bulbs replaced.

2. Pack the essentials.

  • Make sure you have a sat-nav and map to hand - if you're visiting a destination that is unfamiliar to you, these can be saviours.
  • Make sure you take car insurance documents and the contact details for any breakdown services you are eligible for - if a breakdown does occur, having this information will be vital.
  • Make sure you store your jack and locking wheel nut somewhere safe (if your car has them) - without this, if something should happen to one of your car's tyres, you won't be able to remove the wheel.

4. Check the air-conditioning.

  • Always check your car’s air-conditioning system before any hot weather arrives or you begin driving - the journey to your destination should be a safe and enjoyable experience, not uncomfortable.
  • Listen out for any knocking or rumbling sounds - these can be a tell-tale sign of faulty air-conditioning.
  • Be aware of the temperature - if the air being blown out is lukewarm or barely cold, the air-con system needs to be checked.

3. Test the battery.

  • Keep an eye on the weather - higher temperatures can drive up heat under the bonnet, which can accelerate the onset of battery failure.
  • Be proactive about testing your battery, especially if your car is more than a few years old - batteries typically last between three and five years.

5. Avoid a sunburnt car.

  • Protect your car's paintwork from becoming damaged by the sun - ultraviolet (UV) rays can oxidise paint, leaving your car looking faded and worn out before its time.
  • Wash your car frequently and finish by applying a high-quality wax - this will limit the impact of UV rays and ensure your car maintains its shiny exterior, by helping to prevent any grit and dirt from sticking to the paintwork.
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