10 Essential Car Checks Before A Long Road Trip

Planning a long road trip can be exciting, whether it’s a family holiday, business journey, or exploring the open countryside. Yet nothing ruins the experience more than an unexpected breakdown or mechanical issue. Ensuring your vehicle is fully roadworthy is not just a precaution; it is essential for safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

In this blog, we cover 10 essential car checks to perform before a long road trip: what to inspect, how to inspect it, and why each check is essential for safety, comfort, and avoiding costly problems.

At LCV Mechanics, we’ve spent years servicing vans and cars, handling diagnostics, brakes, clutches, gearboxes, and mobile repairs, ensuring our customers can drive with confidence. Are you ready to make sure your car is fully prepared for the journey ahead? Call us on 020 3879 1008 or email info@lcvmechanics.com for expert advice and a pre-journey inspection.

Understanding The Checklist & Why It Matters

Before diving into the specific checks, it’s important to understand why these steps are essential:

• Reliability: Ensure a smooth journey, avoiding breakdowns and delays.
• Safety: Protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users.
• Legal compliance: Brakes, lights, and tyres must meet UK regulations.
• Comfort: Systems like heating, air conditioning, and seating contribute to a smooth, stress-free trip.

With years of hands-on experience in vehicle servicing and repair, we recommend focusing on these key areas to ensure every journey is safe and enjoyable.

Also Read: Why Regular Car Servicing Saves You Money In The Long Run

10 Essential Checks Before Setting Off On A Long Road Trip

Below are the ten key areas to inspect. These cover primary mechanical, electrical, and safety systems, as well as items often overlooked.

1. Tyre Safety: Pressure, Tread, And Condition

• Check tyre pressure: incorrect pressure leads to poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and risk of blowouts. Always use the pressure specification from the manufacturer (door sill/fuel cap).
• Inspect tread depth: legal minimum in the UK is 1.6 mm, but for long trips we recommend 3 mm or more, especially in wet conditions. Use a tread depth gauge or a 20p coin test.
• Look for damage, including bulges, cracks in the sidewalls, embedded objects such as nails, and uneven wear. If any are found, get them replaced before departure.

2. Fluid Levels: Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid & More

• Engine oil: Check the level with the dipstick when the engine is cold. Top up if below the minimum. If the colour looks very dark or the smell is odd, consider a complete oil & filter change.
• Coolant/antifreeze: critical for preventing overheating, especially on motorways or when the car is loaded. Ensure the coolant is the correct specification for your vehicle and that the levels are between the minimum and maximum.
• Brake fluid: essential for braking efficiency. Old or contaminated fluid can lead to reduced stopping power.
• Other fluids: power steering, automatic transmission (if applicable), washer (screen wash), windscreen wiper fluid. All must be topped up and working.

3. Lights And Electrical Systems

• Check all external lights: headlights (dipped & main beam), indicators, brake lights, tail lights, fog lights. Faulty lights pose safety hazards and can result in MOT failures.
• Check the interior and dashboard lights, including warning lights for brakes, engine, ABS, etc. If any stay on after start-up, have diagnostics done.
• Battery health: clean terminals, check for corrosion, and ensure the battery is strong (if it’s more than 3-4 years old, test it). A weak battery is a common cause of breakdown.

4. Brakes: Pads, Discs, Responsiveness

• Inspect brake pads and discs: visible wear, scoring, and noises (such as squealing or grinding) are warning signs.
• Brake pedal feel: should feel firm. A spongy pedal or pulling to one side could indicate an issue.
• Check for leaks in brake lines or the master cylinder.

5. Windscreen, Wipers & Visibility

• Check the windscreen for cracks or chips: even small chips can worsen under vibration and temperature changes.
• Wiper blades condition: If they smear or leave streaks, replace them.
• Screen wash + washer jets: should clear the windscreen properly. Use an appropriate winter wash or an antifreeze-added wash when the temperature is cold.

6. Belts, Hoses & Under The Bonnet

• Inspect belts (timing belt, drive belts, fan belt) for cracks, fraying, or glazing. Replace according to the manufacturer’s advice.
• Check hoses for leaks, bulges, or soft spots, especially radiator hoses.
• Look under the bonnet for any fluid leaks or damage.

7. Emergency Car Kit & Items

• Spare tyre/inflation repair kit, jack, wheel wrench (including special locking wheel nuts).
• Warning triangle, high-visibility jacket, first-aid kit.
• Torch, blankets, water, snacks, phone charger, if you’re stranded, it helps.

8. Fuel & Route Planning

• Fuel up fully before the journey. Avoid starting with a low tank, especially in rural or less serviced areas.
• Check your route in advance: petrol stations along the route, possible traffic, or roadworks.
• If you drive an EV or plug-in hybrid, ensure the battery is fully charged and that chargers along the route are known and accessible.

9. Climate Control, Heating & Comfort Features

• Test the AC or heating. On long journeys, being too hot or too cold can be distracting or unhealthy.
• Check ventilation and demisting system functionality.
• Ensure mirrors, seats, and other components are properly adjusted: small discomforts can add up over a long drive.

10. MOT, Service History, And Legal Compliance

• Ensure the MOT is valid, and the service is up to date. An out-of-date MOT or neglected service can mask underlying problems.
• Insurance documents, vehicle tax, and breakdown cover are valid.
• Check that lights, tyres, etc., meet legal standards (UK law).

Conclusion

Preparing your car for a long road trip is more than ticking boxes—it’s about safety, reliability, and peace of mind. Performing these essential car checks before a long road trip will help you avoid breakdowns, legal issues, and uncomfortable situations.

At LCV Mechanics, we combine years of experience in vehicle servicing, diagnostics, brakes, clutches, gearboxes, and mobile mechanics to ensure every journey starts and ends safely. Whether it’s a pre-travel inspection or urgent repairs, our certified team provides honest and professional service every time.

Are you ready to travel with confidence? Contact LCV Mechanics today on 020 3879 1008 or email info@lcvmechanics.com to book your full vehicle check or repair service. Drive safely, stay prepared, and enjoy every mile.

FAQs

1. What checks are mandatory for UK cars before a long trip?

Valid MOT, tax, and insurance are required. Ensure working brake lights, headlights, indicators, and tyres with tread depth above the legal limit.

2. How often should I check tyre pressure and tread depth?

For long trips, check tyre pressure and condition monthly and just before departure.

3. What fluid levels are most critical before a journey?

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, screen wash, and power steering fluid. Use the correct grades as specified in the vehicle handbook.

4. Can I do all these checks myself, or need a garage?

Many tasks can be done independently, but brakes, belts, battery testing, and diagnostics are best handled by a professional, such as LCV Mechanics.

5. What should I do if I find a fault during these checks?

Do not ignore it. Schedule repairs promptly to ensure safety and comply with legal requirements. LCV Mechanics can provide fast, reliable service.