There’s nothing like a road trip.
Whether you’re headed to the Scottish Highlands, the Cornish coast or a weekend in the Lake District, the drive is half the fun. However, breaking down on the M6 can turn a dream trip into a nightmare instantly (ask me about the time I broke down on the side of the motorway on the way to a conference in Italy).
This is why it’s so important to make sure your car is in the best shape possible before your trip begins.
In this post, I’m going to share why it’s so important to get your car serviced before a big trip. Are you ready? Then let’s get into it.
How a Road Trip Puts Your Vehicle Under Pressure
A road trip is a lot harder on your car than the daily commute or trip to Aldi. Long hours at motorway speeds, a boot full of heavy luggage, steep hills and unpredictable British weather all put your engine, brakes, tyres and cooling system under a huge strain.
Earlier this year, the relatively short trip from Manchester to Haworth and back was pretty much the nail in the coffin for my boyfriend’s car – it never quite recovered (we did get stuck in a ditch, to be fair).
Regular car servicing gives a qualified technician the chance to catch the small stuff like worn brake pads, low fluid levels, or ageing belts, before they become an expensive problem a long way from home.
READ | The Car Essentials You Need Before a UK Road Trip
What a Professional Vehicle Check Covers
Think of it as buying yourself some peace of mind. A proper check covers the essentials: oil and filter change, brakes, tyre condition, suspension, lights, battery health and more.
Whether you need routine maintenance or a more detailed inspection, companies like North West Tyres offer car servicing designed to keep your car in tip top condition. Once you know your car’s been properly checked, you can spend the drive looking at the scenery (or listening to a true crime podcast) instead of worrying about a warning light.
If you’re struggling to decide which company to go with, there are plenty of comparison sites out there that will help you find the best option near you.
You should also make sure to read the Google reviews – I never commit to anything without reading through a businesses’ online reviews, and when it comes to your car, you don’t want to take any chances.
Safety Comes First
The main reason to get your car serviced is safety.
Badly worn tyres won’t grip well on a wet road, and if your brakes aren’t up to scratch, you’ll need a lot more room to stop in an emergency.
That matters even more when you’ve got family, friends or the dog in the back. A thorough inspection can turn up problems may not be obvious when you’re behind the wheel.
READ | What Nobody Tells You About Driving Across Europe
Save Money in the Long Run
I’m all about saving money, and you’ll never find me making unnecessary purchases, but skipping your car servicing can cost you far more in the long run.
An engine that hasn’t been looked after can use more fuel, under-inflated tyres or incorrectly aligned wheels alignment wear out faster, and if you break down and get stranded, paying for a recovery truck and an unplanned hotel stay will be far pricier than a routine service. A full service history can also help your car hold more of its value when you come to sell it.
Book Early and Check the Basics
Don’t leave it until the last minute. If the mechanic finds something that needs fixing, you’ll want time to get it done properly. Aim to book your service at least two weeks before your trip.
In the meantime, here are a few things you can check yourself:
- Check your tyre pressure and tread, and don’t forget your spare tyre
- Check your windscreen wipers and washer fluid
- Make sure all your exterior lights and indicators work
- Check your coolant and oil levels
- Keep your breakdown cover details somewhere easy to find
Final Thoughts
Ironically enough, the best road trips are the ones where you barely think about the car.
Car servicing helps keep you safe, avoids nasty surprise bills and gets your vehicle ready for the miles ahead. So, before you start creating your road trip playlist, give your car a bit of the love and attention it deserves. Trust me, your trip will be a lot more enjoyable for it!
Until next time,
XOXO
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