10 must-have checks before a long car trip

Whether it's visiting relatives, vacationing, or traveling for work, many of us make long road trips regularly. As with most things, preparation is the key to making sure everything goes smoothly.

Here are our top 10 pre-ride checks to help you drive more safely, avoid unnecessary breakdowns, and make that long drive a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.

1. Tire pressure

Proper tire pressure is essential for your vehicle to properly brake, grip and steer. Even one over-inflated or under-inflated tire can have a big impact on driving.

Many modern cars are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that warns you if the pressure is out of range. If your car doesn't have one, use a pressure gauge (they are inexpensive and widely available) to check the level before you go on a long trip. You can find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle in a manual and usually on a panel inside the driver's door. Adding more air to your local garage is easy, as most pumps allow you to set the correct pressure first.

2. Windshield wipers and washers

Driving with a dirty or dirty windshield is unpleasant and can also be dangerous. Check windshield wipers for wear and replace if necessary. Don't forget to also make sure your washer is sufficiently charged so that you can keep your windshield clean throughout your trip. Don't forget that this can be just as much of a problem in summer as it is in winter, as squashed bugs and pollen can ruin your look.

Also look for chips or cracks on the windshield. If you find it, you must fix it as soon as possible. Small, easily fixable flaws can quickly turn into big problems if ignored.

3. Oil level

Oil is absolutely essential to keep your car engine running smoothly. Running out can cause costly damage and leave you stranded - it's the last thing you need when you're away from home!

Traditionally, a dipstick is attached to each car so that you can check the oil level yourself. Many modern cars no longer have dipsticks, but instead use the car's computer to monitor the oil level and display it on the dashboard. You should check your car manual to see if this is the case. If your car doesn't automatically alert you when the oil level is low, use the dipstick to make sure it's not below the minimum level and top up before driving. Be careful not to add too much oil, as this is also bad for the engine.

4. lights

Fully functioning headlights are essential for safe driving, not only so that you can see clearly, but also so that other road users can see you and know your intentions. Before a long trip, it's time to check the headlights, direction indicators and brake lights. 

You will need an assistant to do this, as you cannot see any problems from inside the car. Ask an assistant to stand in front of the car while you turn on all the headlights - high beam, low beam and turn signals in sequence. Then have them stand behind the car while you apply the brakes and shift into reverse (keeping your foot on the clutch if it's a manual transmission) to check the brake and reversing lights. You may be able to replace faulty light bulbs yourself, but it will most likely be a quick and inexpensive garage job.

5. Engine coolant

Coolant keeps your car's engine running smoothly by regulating the temperature of the cooling system. Many new vehicles have a closed cooling system, so topping up is not required. 

In older vehicles, you may need to check the level yourself and top up if necessary. You can see the fluid level in the reservoir in the engine compartment. If it is close to or below the minimum level marker, you will need to top it up.

6. Tire tread depth

Worn tires can seriously affect the handling, braking and overall safety of your vehicle. Before a long ride, check that your tires have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in the center three quarters using a gauge. If your tread is between 1.6mm and 3mm, consider changing your tires before riding. 

Every Cazoo vehicle is tested to ensure that its tires have a minimum tread depth of 2.5mm across at least 80% of the tire width. This is well above the legal limit of 1.6mm. You can read more about the quality of Cazoo cars here.

7. Fuel level

Most people want to hit the road and make good progress, but refueling at or near the start of a trip can save you time (and reduce stress) later on. Knowing you have a full tank gives you peace of mind and saves you from having to drive around an unfamiliar place near the end of your journey in a desperate hunt for a gas station.

If you have a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, make sure it is fully charged before you travel. Some also allow you to set a timer to pre-cool or pre-heat the car while charging. This is worth doing because it reduces the amount of battery power you use when you start moving.

8. Emergency supplies

Pack everything you need in an emergency if you break down. The red warning triangle is highly recommended to alert other drivers to your presence, and it's always worth keeping spare clothing and snacks in your car in case you get stuck somewhere for a while. If you are driving in Europe, you may need to take a few other things with you: for example, French law requires you to have two warning triangles in your car, a reflective jacket, and a first aid kit when driving in France.

9. Driving mode

Many newer vehicles offer a range of driving modes that allow you to change the engine, brake system, and sometimes even suspension settings to suit different needs. For a long trip, you can choose the Eco driving mode to help you get more miles per gallon (or charge), for example, or the Comfort mode to make the trip as relaxing as possible.

10. Service your car regularly

The best way to make sure your car is ready for the long haul is to have it serviced regularly. This way you will know that you have done everything possible to ensure its efficient and safe operation. Many cars will remind you with a message on the dashboard when maintenance is due. When in doubt, check your vehicle owner's manual or service book to find out when the next service is due.

If you want to be sure that your car is in the best possible condition, you can check your car for free at Kazu Service Center. Cazoo service centers offer a full range of services with a three-month or 3,000-mile warranty on any work we do. TO request a booking, simply select your nearest Cazoo service center and enter your vehicle's registration number.

If you're looking to upgrade your car for better fuel economy, more driving pleasure, or a more comfortable ride on long journeys, use our search feature to find the car you like, buy it online, and then have it delivered to your door. door or choose to pick up at your nearest Cazoo customer service center.

We are constantly updating and expanding our range. If you can't find a vehicle within your budget today, check back soon to see what's available, or set up a stock alert to be the first to know when we have vehicles available to suit your needs.