How to Get your Car Ready for a Family Summer Road Trip

The summer holidays are nigh. While it doesn’t feel like even a whole week since the last long summer holidays, you know that to the children, this is going to be the most exciting six weeks there has been, and ever will be. What are you planning on doing this summer?

If you’re thinking about some day road trips, or a long drive to somewhere more exotic, then preparing your car is absolutely essential. You don’t want to be one of those families sat on the motorway verge waiting for an over-stretched rescue service, or have a long car trip filled with ‘I’m bored’ or ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ on a seemingly endless loop.

Preparing your car for summer is as important as for the winter. Here’s what you can do to get your car ready for those long hot summer days (fingers crossed!)

Carry out essential checks

Just like when it’s coming up to winter, a summer road trip is a good reminder to make sure your car has all the essentials it needs. First, check your oil and water levels – drier, dustier roads can make you use up your windscreen washer tank faster than in wintry conditions, so check that you have enough on board. Always carry some oil, spare water and screen wash in your car too, just in case.

Getting your air-con serviced is a good idea, especially if you haven’t had to use it in months.

If you still have your winter tyres on, then you need to get them changed. Don’t forget to check your tyres’ tread depths and tyre pressure while you’re on the job!

Read this – top tips for looking after your car’s tyres

Upgrade your audio

A long car journey with crackly radio or tinny sounding CDs might actually float your boat. If not, then you should think about improving your car’s audio system. Upgrading to DAB radio will improve your radio listening experience, and getting a better stereo head unit with built-in iPod connectivity will not only give better sound quality but save you having to stash numerous CDs in your car.

Want to know more about DAB radio? – read this What is DAB and how does it work?

Grab the essentials

Have you seen our list of things you should always keep in your car?

While we know that you should ALWAYS keep certain things in your car, summer is a good time to make sure you especially have a spare pair of sunglasses, a first aid kit, an organiser, and a freshen-up kit. Not so much the woolly hats and clothing. Well, we hope not anyway! Make sure you’re prepared for any eventuality.

Sign up for breakdown cover

Summer is a busy time for breakdown services such as the RAC, AA, and Green Flag. With more cars heading off on longer journeys, and more potential for overheating, then it’s not hard to see why the RAC report a 20% increase in breakdowns on hot days. Get signed up now, even if it’s for the basic roadside cover. It could save you a small fortune in towing fees, and the hassle of having to find a local breakdown company wherever you happen to be.

Be prepared for family boredom

It’s not inevitable that your passengers be bored during a long car journey, but best to be prepared. Our favourite way of keeping smaller passengers entertained (naturally) is with an in-car DVD player. With their favourite movie playing, and the help of headphones, you might even get to experience a peaceful drive. Well, until the movie ends anyway!

Read – five ways to entertain your children on a long car journey

Upgrade your kit

Some things you might find handy during a long journey….

GPS/Sat-Nav – this is essential when trying to find somewhere new, especially when everyone is a bit hot and bothered. It will tell you how long you have to go, keep you abreast of traffic problems, and get you on the nose of your destination. You can buy a separate sat-nav, or you can get one that is in-built into your car’s entertainment system – like these!

If you already have a sat-nav/GPS, then you need to check you’ve got the latest maps for your destination.

Read this – what is GPS and how does it work?

Apps – be prepared by downloading the apps you may need now while you’re on familiar territory, rather than when you’re out and about. App to help you find a parking spot (or to remember where you left the car)? No problem! Apps to alert you to speed cameras? No problem! –

Read 12 apps for car lovers

Dash-Cam – journey recorders can help you if you get into trouble on your trip. They can help provide evidence in your support in ‘crash for cash’ cases. They are also a great source of car fail clips you can upload to your YouTube channel once you get home!

Reversing cameras – parking can be at a premium in busy holiday resorts, and a reversing camera can help you get squeezed into a tighter-than-usual spot without (hopefully) causing any damage. No-one needs an epic parking fail, especially on holiday.

Wherever you’re going this summer, we wish you a good trip.