How to prepare for the half-term road trip

Like the Wildebeest and their great traversing of the Serengeti, British families love to undertake a great annual migration, jumping in their cars at the start of the October half-term and moving en masse from one part of the country to another. The spectacle might attract fewer tourists – the southbound M3 not having quite the same draw as the Tanzanian savannah – but the number of participants involved is not dissimilar and although there is less chance of being attacked by a crocodile, the journey is not without its stresses and strains. Which means planning is key. Before you head off on your half-term road trip be sure to get yourself and your vehicle prepared for the journey to come.

Tyres

First up, you need to have a good look at your tyres to make sure that this summer’s particularly hot weather hasn’t caused any cracking or bulging. Next, you need to check the tread of your tyres. Brilliantly, a 20p piece stands in effortlessly for an official tread depth indicator: if you place the coin in the tread groove and you can see the outer edge of the coin, then it’s time to the get the tyre replaced. And it’s crucial, too, that you check your tyre pressure regularly (Kwik Fit suggest every few weeks) – underinflated tyres don’t only age quicker, they’re also a major cause of blowouts which can be fatal at high speed. Your vehicle handbook should include your car’s optimum tyre pressure but you can also use Kwik Fit’s handy online pressure checker. You need to check all four tyres on the wheels and also the spare in the boot, which can lose pressure even when it is not in use. If you’re unsure about any of this, book a free no-obligation tyre check at your local Kwik Fit centre. Kwik Fit are the UK’s largest tyre retailer, with over 50 years of experience and they have more than 600 centres across the UK, most of which are open 7 days a week.

Fluids

Before you head off on a big journey it’s also crucial that you check all your fluid levels. Oil is essential to the smooth-running of your engine and it’s easy to check: locate your car’s dipstick (often identified by a yellow/orange ring pull under the bonnet) and make sure that your oil is between the minimum and maximum levels….