The school holidays have a funny way of creeping up on you. One minute you’re sorting out packed lunches and reading diaries, and the next you’re frantically trying to remember where you put the roof box and whether the car will actually survive the trip to the coast.
If you’re planning any sort of family road trip this summer, whether that’s a long motorway haul to see the grandparents or a few short hops to local attractions, it’s worth spending an afternoon getting your car ready before you go. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress (and a roadside breakdown) later.
Give the basics a proper check
Before you load up the car with suitcases, buckets and spades, and an alarming number of snacks, it’s worth running through the essentials.
Check your tyre pressure and tread depth, including the spare if you have one. A fully loaded car behaves differently on the road, so it’s important your tyres are up to the job. Top up your oil, coolant and screen wash too, especially if you’re heading off on a long drive in warm weather.
It’s also a good idea to check your wipers and lights are all working properly. School holiday trips often mean early starts or late arrivals, and you want to be seen as clearly as possible in all conditions.
Think about how you’ll pack
Anyone who has tried to fit a week’s worth of holiday luggage, a travel cot and a child’s bike into a family car will know that packing is something of an art form. It helps to plan ahead rather than throwing everything in at the last minute.
Heavier items should go at the bottom of the boot, with anything you might need quickly, such as snacks, drinks or a first aid kit, kept somewhere easily accessible. If your boot is on the smaller side, a roof box can be a brilliant way to free up space inside the car, leaving more room for little legs to stretch out.
One thing that makes loading and unloading a great deal easier is having a boot that opens and stays open without you having to wrestle with it. Worn or weakened components can mean the boot drops unexpectedly, which is not ideal when your hands are already full. If yours has started to feel a bit temperamental, it’s worth looking into replacing boot gas struts, as these are usually the part responsible for holding the boot up safely and smoothly.
Plan for entertainment and comfort
Long journeys with children can test the patience of even the calmest parent. Having a plan for keeping everyone entertained makes a huge difference to how the trip feels for everyone involved.
It’s also worth thinking about practical comforts. Sun shades for the back windows can stop little ones overheating or being dazzled, while a small bag of essentials within arm’s reach (think wipes, tissues and a change of clothes) will save you having to dig through the boot at a service station.
Plan your route and breaks
It can be tempting to push on and get to your destination as quickly as possible, but children, and frankly most adults, tend to do much better with regular breaks. Try to plan stops roughly every couple of hours, ideally somewhere with a bit of space to stretch legs and let off steam.
Checking traffic reports before you set off, and having a rough idea of alternative routes, can also save you from sitting in unexpected queues with a car full of restless passengers.
Don’t forget the paperwork
Before any longer trip, it’s worth double checking that your breakdown cover, insurance and MOT are all up to date. If you’re heading abroad, make sure you have everything you need for driving in another country, including any documents or equipment that might be required.
A quick glovebox check for things like your driving licence, vehicle documents and any medication your family might need can save a last minute panic on the morning you leave.
Enjoy the journey
With the practical bits sorted, the school holidays really are one of the best times to make family memories, whether that’s a big adventure abroad or simply pottering around closer to home. A car that’s ready for the job, and a boot you can rely on, means one less thing to worry about so you can focus on enjoying the time together.
Safe travels, and here’s to a happy, hassle free holiday on the road.
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