Tips on Preparing Your Car for a UK Road Trip 2023

15/06/2023 17:13 Share

Get a vehicle health check to drive with confidence this summer
Top up on all the essential liquids before setting off
If travelling in an EV, locate charging stations in advance
Are you not the only one driving the car? Get all drivers insured
Pack entertainment for your passengers to avoid boredom

Are you planning to stay in the UK this year? Great choice! Our country has so much to offer, from city breaks to country escapes.

But, before you set off, there are a few things to consider. We've rounded up a list of things to check before starting your journey, including a car health check, planning what to pack, and more.

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your car. With us, you can find a great range of new and used cars from world-leading manufacturers.

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Road trip in the UK

Get your car ready for a road trip in the UK

During summer, we drive more than any other time of the year. It’s important to make sure that your vehicle is ready to take on those extra miles.

Get a summer vehicle health at Bristol Street Motors for your peace of mind. We offer a range of services from basic checks to a thorough testing process.

Book a summer health check today

Do your own car health check at home by:

Checking tyres
Checking front and rear lights
Viewing oil levels
Viewing screen wash level
Checking coolant level

Make sure you pack these with you:

Car insurance papers
Breakdown cover, if not included in the insurance
Your V5C
Navigation device
Paper map
Any cables, such as an EV charger and phone charger

Road trip in the UK

How to prepare for a road trip?

Even if the weather forecast is promising sunny skies, it’s always a good idea to pack for all weather. Especially if you plan on sleeping in a tent, where temperatures might drop suddenly during the night.

Plan your trip, as simple as that. Some roads you were planning to take might have road works or be closed completely. It's also a good habit to take a break after every two to three hours of driving. This will allow you to stretch your legs and regain focus for another stretch of driving.

If you have an electric car, make sure you are aware of how far you can drive with one charge. You should also be aware of your nearest charging stations to reduce range anxiety. You can view all the available charging points with the Zapmap.

Other things to do before you set off:

Clean your car, inside and out
Download songs and movies
If more than one person is going to drive the car, add them to your insurance as a registered driver
Get stocked up on snacks and water
Buy toiletries, such as tissues, hand gel and wet wipes
Make sure you have sunglasses with you in the car

Road trip destinations in the UK

Still wondering where to visit this year? Read our article on the Top Places to Visit This Spring - Your Accessible Guide to find new places to explore. Our top tips include Brixworth Country Park in Northamptonshire, and more.

Some other great places to visit are: