Nothing ruins a road trip more than your car breaking down. Most of us have been there before, and it’s incredibly frustrating (not to mention dangerous) when your car suddenly gives up on you during a trip. That’s why having these essential road trip tips in your back pocket, and knowing what to do in these moments is essential, especially when you’re far from home. We want you and your loved ones to arrive at your holiday destination safely, so here’s what you need to know and prepare for before you hit the road.
We all need a holiday after a long, demanding year, and what better way to explore our beautiful country than with a well-deserved road trip? Long drives can be exciting and refreshing, but they also come with the risk of unexpected car issues. Vehicles can develop problems you might not notice until you’re already driving. These could include a faulty battery, worn-out tyres, brake problems, or even something as simple as a fuel gauge giving you the wrong reading. Whatever the cause, car trouble is never fun, and it can ruin your entire trip if you aren’t prepared.
To help keep you in holiday mode and get you to your destination safely, we’ve put together some of our best road trip tips for dealing with a breakdown and preparing your car before you leave.
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Road Trip Tips: What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down
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Pull over
As soon as you notice something may be wrong, reduce your speed and head towards the side of the road. Pulling over safely keeps you out of the way of moving traffic and gives you a moment to assess the situation without putting yourself at further risk. If you can’t pull over immediately, switch on your hazards to alert other drivers, and when it’s safe to do so, place your reflective caution triangle behind your car. This simple step can make a huge difference in keeping you safe.
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Call for help
Once you’re safely off the road, it’s time to call for assistance. Depending on where you are, you can contact roadside assistance, a nearby friend or family member, or the Automobile Association (AA). Make sure you’ve saved these numbers before your trip — it’s one of the most important preparations you can make.
When calling for help, provide your exact location, the make and model of your car, and a brief description of the problem. Giving as much detail as possible will help the support team find you quickly and provide the right assistance.
How to prepare for a road trip
Road trips are a fantastic way to travel. You get to experience scenic routes, spend quality time with friends or family, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. But preparation is key to avoiding avoidable stress.
Get your car serviced before you leave
The most important of our road trip tips! This is the number one thing you should do before going on any long trip. Booking your car in for a full service ensures that everything is working correctly and helps prevent the risk of a breakdown during your holiday. A service will cover all the essentials and pick up any problems that may not be visible to the average driver.
Make sure to check:
• Your oil, transmission fluid and other essential fluids
• Tyre pressure and wheel alignment
• Brake condition
• Any underlying mechanical issues
Even if you think your car is running smoothly, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. A professional inspection can prevent unexpected issues from popping up in the middle of your road trip.
Related: 6 Signs That You May Have Car Transmission Problems
Build an emergency kit
An emergency kit is something every car should have, but it becomes even more important when heading out on a long-distance journey. In an unexpected situation, the items in your kit can keep you safe while you wait for help. Before every trip, check that everything is still in good condition and replace anything that’s missing.
Your emergency kit should include:
• A fully charged phone, or a fully charged power bank to make sure you can keep your phone on!
• Phone charger and adapter
• Car owner’s manual
• Jumper cables
• Spare tyre
• Tyre-pressure gauge
• Emergency flares or reflective triangle
• Signal flag and reflective vest
• Fire extinguisher
• Drinking water and non-perishable snacks
• First aid kit
• Torch
You can always add more items depending on your needs, but these basics are a great starting point.
Know your route
Even though GPS apps are incredibly convenient, technology can fail. It’s still important to familiarise yourself with your planned route ahead of time. Knowing where you’re going helps reduce stress, lowers the chances of missing a turn, and keeps you aware of potential unsafe areas should your GPS choose a strange detour.
Planning your stops in advance, like where you’ll fill up, rest, or sightsee, can also make the trip far more enjoyable.
Find a place to sleep ahead of time
If your road trip is a long one, make sure you have your accommodation booked before you leave. This ensures you’re staying somewhere safe and eliminates the stress of having to search for a place while you’re already exhausted from driving. Driving long distances while tired is dangerous, so planning your rest stops is essential.
Don’t forget to fill up
Out of everything on this road trip tips list, this one is the most simple, yet the most commonly ignored. Don’t push your luck with your fuel tank. Many drivers convince themselves that their car can “go a little further”, but running out of petrol in the middle of nowhere is not only frustrating but also unsafe. Keep your tank topped up, especially on long stretches of road with limited fuel stations.
Related: 11 Simple Ways to Save Fuel that Really Work!
Have a fantastic trip!
With the right preparation, your road trip can be smooth, memorable and stress-free. Take the time to plan ahead, follow our road trip tips, look after your vehicle and prioritise your safety on the road.
Yours in comprehensive car insurance,
Oneplan
