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Travel and everyday , On the road , Safety and breakdowns · Posodobljeno 2026-10-18

Preparing your car for a long road trip

A long trip is the hardest test your car faces all year. It runs for hours at steady speed, often fully loaded and in hot weather. A little preparation a week before you leave prevents most of the breakdowns and stress that spoil a holiday. This guide walks through the car, the load, the route and yourself.

Start a week or two ahead

Do not leave the checks for the evening before. If something needs a workshop, you need time to book it and wait for parts. If you have a service coming due, do it before the trip, not after. Check the service book, and if you keep a logbook in My Garage, see what is due. A workshop can also look at the things you cannot easily check yourself. For advice on choosing one, read finding a good workshop.

Tyres

Tyres are the one link between the car and the road, and a long, loaded trip puts them under stress. Check:

• Tread depth and even wear across the tyre.
• Cracks, bulges or objects stuck in the rubber.
• The age of the tyres, which can matter even if the tread looks fine.
• The pressure of all four tyres and the spare, when cold.

Fully loaded cars often need higher pressure than normal; check the sticker on the door frame or the manual. Use the tyre size tool if you need to confirm sizes, and read tyre pressure and rotation for the basics. Make sure you know where the spare and tools are and how to use them; see flat tyre and spare.

Fluids and under the bonnet

Check oil, coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid levels with the car on level ground. Top up washer fluid, which you will use more than you expect. If a level is low or drops quickly, see a workshop and do not just top up and hope. Our guide on coolant and fluids shows what to look at. A weak battery is a common cause of trouble, particularly in heat; if yours is old, ask for it to be tested.

Brakes, lights and wipers

If the brakes feel soft, pull to one side, vibrate or make noises, have them checked before you go. Do not try to repair brakes yourself. Walk around the car with someone to check all lights, including brake lights and indicators. Replace worn wiper blades. See wipers, lights and bulbs.

Cooling and air conditioning

Heat is hard on cars. Make sure the cooling system is in good condition and the fan works. If the air conditioning is weak, have it checked early. Read the summer heat checklist for more.

Warning lights

Do not start a long trip with a warning light on. A light you have ignored for months is a fault you will meet at the worst moment. Learn what the lights mean in dashboard warning lights and have anything unclear checked.

Load and weight

Check the maximum load in the manual and do not exceed it. Put heavy things low and near the centre of the car, and secure loose items so they cannot fly forward under braking. Keep what you need on the road within reach. Roof loads change handling and fuel use; see towing and roof loads. If children or pets travel with you, plan their seating and breaks; see driving with kids and pets.

Documents and kit

Check that your documents are valid for every country you will cross, including the insurance cover. Rules differ by country, so ask the competent authority or your insurer what is required on the route. Pack the emergency kit described in emergency kit checklist, plus water, a phone charger and a paper map or offline map as a backup.

Plan the route and the cost

Estimate fuel, tolls and overnight stops with the trip cost calculator. Plan stops every couple of hours, and share the driving if you can. Check the weather and road works. Avoid driving through the night if you are already tired from a day of work.

Take care of the driver

Sleep well before you leave. Eat light, drink water and take breaks before you feel tired, not after. If you feel drowsy, stop and rest; coffee only helps for a short time. See motorway driving habits for tips on staying alert.

What to remember

• Prepare a week ahead so there is time to fix things.
• Tyres, fluids, brakes, lights and battery come first.
• Do not start with a warning light on.
• Load the car safely and within its limits.
• Check documents and cover for every country you pass.
• Plan breaks and rest as carefully as the route.

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