Going on a Summer Road Trip? A Pre-Holiday Car Check for Norfolk Drivers
A good pre-holiday car check covers the basics that cause most breakdowns: tyres, engine oil, coolant, brakes, lights and screenwash. Spend twenty minutes the day before you travel, set your tyres to the laden pressure, and deal with anything that looks worn before you join the motorway.
Start with your tyres
Tyres are the most common holiday breakdown cause, so check them first. Set pressures to the laden figure in your handbook, since a packed car and roof box add significant weight.
Check tread across all four tyres and the spare, and look for bulges, cracks or embedded debris. If anything looks marginal, replace it before you go rather than risking a roadside change in the heat, miles from a friendly garage.
Under the bonnet
With the engine cold and the car on level ground, check the key fluids. Topping these up is cheap insurance against an expensive breakdown.
- Engine oil on the dipstick, between min and max.
- Coolant level between the marks on the expansion tank.
- Screenwash topped up, as summer bugs and dust block visibility.
- Brake fluid at the correct level.
If your oil is overdue, an oil change before a long trip is well worth it.
Brakes, lights and wipers
Listen for any grinding or squealing when braking, and note if the car pulls to one side. A fully loaded car puts more demand on the brakes, especially on long descents on holiday routes.
Walk around the car checking all lights, including brake lights and indicators, and replace any tired wiper blades. These small jobs make a big difference to safety on unfamiliar roads, and a blown bulb can earn you a fine in some countries if you are heading abroad.
Loading the car safely
How you load matters as much as what you check. Distribute weight evenly and keep heavy items low and towards the centre, not piled high or all in the boot, which affects handling and braking.
Anything loose in the cabin becomes a projectile in a sudden stop, so secure luggage and use the boot. If you fit a roof box or bike rack, check the weight limits and that lights and the number plate remain visible, and remember a roof load raises fuel use and affects stability in crosswinds.
Consider a pre-holiday check-up
If your car is due a service, getting it done before a big trip means a professional eye over the things that are hard to check yourself, from brake pad thickness to suspension and the exhaust.
Our team can carry out a vehicle service or a quick safety check before you travel. Book ahead so we can fit you in around your departure date and sort anything we find in good time.
Be ready if something goes wrong
Even a well-prepared car can have bad luck, so travel ready. Make sure your breakdown cover is current and covers the type of trip you are taking, and keep the policy number somewhere easy to find.
A small kit pays off: a hi-vis vest, a warning triangle, a phone charger, water and a torch. If you are towing a caravan or trailer, check its tyres and lights too, as these are easy to overlook and a common cause of holiday hold-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pressure should my tyres be for a loaded car?
Use the laden or fully loaded pressure in your handbook or door-sill label, which is higher than the normal figure. A packed car with passengers, luggage and a roof box weighs much more, and the extra pressure stops the tyres overheating and wearing on long trips.
Should I get a service before a long trip?
If a service is due or close, doing it before a long journey is sensible. It catches worn brakes, low fluids and tyre or suspension issues before they leave you stranded far from home. A quick safety check is a cheaper alternative if a full service is not yet due.
What breaks down most often on holiday journeys?
Tyre problems, flat batteries and overheating are among the most common holiday breakdowns. Most are preventable with a simple check of tyres, fluids and the battery before you leave, which is why a twenty-minute pre-holiday inspection is so worthwhile.
Does a roof box affect my car?
Yes. A roof box adds weight up high, raises fuel consumption, and makes the car more sensitive to crosswinds, so drive a little more gently. Use the laden tyre pressures, observe the roof load limit, and make sure rear lights and the number plate stay visible.
How long before my trip should I check the car?
Do your checks the day before, not as you are leaving. That gives you time to top up fluids, fix a blown bulb or book the car in if you find a problem with the tyres or brakes, rather than being forced to set off on a worn tyre or delay the whole trip.
Book With Norwich Tyres & Auto Service
Need a hand from a real, independent Norwich garage? Call 07933 900901 or pop into Ber Street, NR1 3ES. Same-day tyre fitting is available on most common sizes, with free parking on site.
Hero image: “Packing a Prius with Ikea Stuff” by milele (source), licensed under CC BY.