Essential Car Checks For A Safe Easter Road Trip

New drivers have been urged to carry out basic safety checks on their vehicles before setting off on road trips this Easter. Experts have named the five simple car checks all motorists should perform before driving long distances.

To prevent the engine from overheating, it’s essential to ensure coolant levels are correct according to the vehicle handbook.

Drivers should have sufficient fuel levels before setting off on motorways or risk breaking official advice from the Highway Code.

Another straightforward safety measure motorists should perform is to check that all tyres have a legal tread depth of at least 1.6mm and no cuts or bulges.

Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, said, “New drivers who are planning a road trip this Easter should carry out basic but essential safety checks on their vehicles before setting off.

“Make sure that the oil and engine coolant levels are correct, based on guidance from your vehicle handbook.

“Check over all the tyres, including the spare, to ensure they’re at the legal tread depth of at least 1.6mm and there is no damage.

“Drivers should also plan their journeys to ensure there are petrol stations along the way so they can fill up and set off with a full tank of fuel, especially if travelling along the motorway.

“​​Another simple check before setting off over the Easter holidays is to turn the car lights on one at a time and ask a friend to walk around the vehicle to ensure everything is in working order – including the headlights, brake lights, and reverse lights.”

Here are the Five Essential Car Checks to Perform Before Setting off this Easter:

1. Tyre Checks

The legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm, so it’s essential to check the tyres are at the legal level and do not have any cuts, bulges or other damage before heading off on long journeys.

2. Oil Levels

Use the vehicle handbook as guidance to ensure the oil levels are correct before setting off on Easter road trips.

3. Engine Coolant

Checking the engine coolant is safe against your vehicle handbook is essential before long journeys. Engine coolant stops the car from overheating, so it is a vital check to ensure vehicles are safe to drive.

4. Car Lights

Before heading off on a road trip, a simple but essential check is to ensure all car lights are completely working to maintain visibility. The easiest way to check is to turn on each light and ask a friend to ensure the headlights, brake, and reverse lights are all functioning before setting off.

5. Have Sufficient Fuel

The Highway Code states all drivers should have sufficient fuel before heading out on a long journey, mainly if that includes motorway driving. Plan your trip to ensure there are petrol stations along the way to fill up at.