Summer is here and most of us have already planned our holidays. Some of us will be flying to our destinations because of distance or convenience and others might be taking other modes of transportation which includes road trips. Last summer MOH and I drove (I say drove he did I slept kept company) to Lithuania from UK for almost 30hrs. It was the most tiring but fun experience I had last summer and though I won’t be jumping in the car just yet to re-do the road trip, I thought for those who are considering road trips with the family or with friends here are some road trip tips to keep in mine before you set off.
Planning when it comes to travel is everything, I am one of those people who likes to plan to the very last detail of my long trips but somehow always ends of forgetting one thing or the other. And if I don’t forget something I find some items I have taken are dormant the entire time I am away which is not great if you are limited to what you can carry (flights) but with road trips you can pack as little or as much as you want. I shared my top 5 tips for road trips last ear and this year I thought I share more road trip tips which I might have missed last time or to just rehash the spoken word.
Road Trip tips
Tip 1: Clean your car, this one is truly explanatory. There is nothing worse than setting off on your road trip to find your car is dirty, I think it sets great presidency start a road trip in a clean and fresh car. It doesn’t matter how long or short your road trip will be, its important to clear out all the dirty items and replace with a clean environment. I was always taught it takes dirty hands to clear the dirt so how about you get to it before you set off for your road trip.
Tip 2: Before every longer trip everyone is normally planning months and weeks ahead. But there are some essential things that people either forget or don’t think it is important. And so, checking the condition of your tyres as well as their pressure is very important. Not checking them daily when commenting to and from work or just driving around the town might seem normal but when getting on a longer journey it is essential to check them as the consequences and the cost of breakdown will not only ruin ones holidays but will also be very expensive.
There are several things to note when checking tyres and fortunately this is not rocket science:
- Tyre tread – You have to ensure that the tyre tread is above the minimum legal depth of 1.6 millimetres. If it is lower than this then the car is illegal to be driven. It not only puts the driver and the passengers into danger but it also invalidates your insurance in the case of accident and if stopped by the police the car would get confiscated. Most of the tyres nowadays have little markers inside the tread showing where the legal depth is or if they are not there then the depth of tread could be inspected visually. Normally it is suggested to replace the tyres when the tread is below 3mm as below that the tyre loses its original performance and grip.
- Bumps/scuffs – It is important to check the tyres for any bumps, scuffs of any objects that might be stuck in the tyre such as nails of pieces of broken glass. If any found it is suggested to take the tyre out to the tyre repair shop to get it repaired or you might need to buy new tyres, you can buy new tyres online at Point-S.
- Tyre Pressure – it is important that your tyres have the right amount of air in them. It not only helps to prolong they lifespan but also improve your fuel consumption. Fortunately you don’t need to guess the suggested optimal tyre pressure of every car since the car manufacturers are putting this information on the side of the driver’s door frame and in the glove compartment. The information normally displays the tyre size, speed rating and the pressure both in PSI and Bar for the front and the back tyres. This helps when using the air pump as you clearly know how much air is required for the best performance.
Tip 3: Pack Essentials, this differs for each personal but you should have
- Water – keeping cool and hydrated
- Blankets – for when the weather turns even with heating on or when you stop for a nap
- Torch – it’s always smart to carry one especially if you will be driving through the night
- First Aid box – this is self-explanatory
Tip 4: Food, when packing food don’t just pack sweets pack foods that can keep and won’t go off easily and will sustain you on your journey. I have made this mistake in the past of where I pack what I think we need but it’s all sweets and junk and nothing sustainable.
So there you have it, these are my road trip tips to help you enjoy your road trip this summer without causing an accident because of bad tires.
*Collaborative*
CourtneyLynne says
These are some great tips!!! I always make sure my car is clean before any trip! Even its just a few hours away!
Miranda says
Thanks Courtney it’s so important to have a clean car
Anna-Maria says
Great tips im going on a road trip next weekend so your tips will come handy. xxx
Miranda says
Ooh have a lovely time and thanks
Kerry Norris says
These are all really good important tips. I think a clean car is essential x
Miranda says
Thanks Kerry
Robin Ruehrwein says
Awesome road trip tips! Being prepared before you even hit the road is important. You never know what can happen when you are away from home.
Miranda says
So true
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
Such good tips – I would love a road trip with Hubs (maybe once the kids are grown up) x
Miranda says
Thanks
Helen @ Fuss Free Living says
I used to travel so much for work and I would always start to repack as soon as I unpacked. Things like refilling all the mini bottles in my washbag, and checking adaptors and chargers. Makes it so much faster.
Miranda says
So true, I always repack as soon as I return from a trip
Nicole Etolen says
I have a road trip plan for this weekend. These tips are very helpful.
Miranda says
Have fun on your road trip
Courtney Gillard says
I have a checklist of what to bring in my trips. This helps me not to forget all the essentials I needed.
Miranda says
That’s always handy to have
Nicole Escat says
Thanks for this tips. I actually need this because I am planning on having one.
Miranda says
I am glad I shared them on time
Kathy says
These are some wonderful tips. I think it’s really important to make sure you have everything you need for when you’re on a road trip. You never know what may happen.
Miranda says
Absolutely you never know
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla says
I honestly would put cleaning the car as my utmost priority. There’s just something behind a dirty car that brings me bad luck everywhere when I travel. Great tips, especially the packing essentials.
Miranda says
I think it’s one of my top priorities too lucky boo too
Rachel says
Great tip about keeping water and blankets in the boot with torch, so many times I used to double and treble check we had both whenever we went somewhere in the car x
Miranda says
Thanks, I learned this one from dad
Ana De Jesus says
30 hours? That sure is a long journey I hope you had a good time in Lithuania in the end?
Miranda says
I had an awesome relaxing time definitely
Carmela Mempin says
Such an awesome tips, for sure this would be very useful and helpful as well, especially to those who are going on a road trip. Its very important to check the car first before leaving.
Miranda says
It is so important and most of us forget the basics
Esther says
Great tips thanks for sharing. I totally agree with your first tip – clean your car. I remember travelling in a friend’s car a few months back, just the fact that the car was in a complete mess made the trip so uncomfortable and miserable.
Miranda says
I can imagine, it’s such a mood pooper isn’t it
Kara Guppy says
I would like to add make sure you have adequate breakdown cover too
Miranda says
Absolutely
Elizabeth O. says
It pays to be ready on a road trip, and aside from the essentials, you’re right, the car should be thoroughly checked. You don’t want anything giving up on you on the middle of the road, so doing a complete check-up would be helpful.
Miranda says
Absolutely, for your safety, passengers and other road users that car should get thoroughly checked
Fashion and Style Police says
Lovely tips. I should remember this. Planning a road trip soon.
Miranda says
Thanks
Cindy Ingalls says
Great ideas. I took a road trip last summer and made to keep items that I needed, like water and snacks, close by so I didn’t have to stop. I also made sure my phone charger was handy so my battery didn’t die from using the GPS.
Miranda says
That’s something I forgot to include on this list but captured in another. Thanks for sharing your tips
Ickle Pickle says
Great tips – we had an epic road trip to France a couple of weeks ago – I drove over 1000 miles! Kaz x
Miranda says
Oh wow that’s a lot of driving
Laura @ dearbearandbeany says
I love a road trip and can’t wait for my girls to be older to enjoy them again. Great tips!
Miranda says
Thanks Laura
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Thanks for this article. It was detailed and informative. I can save this and use it as a guide the next time we go on a trip. I always have a small first aid kit in my car and emergency medications in my purse, so no matter whether it be a short trip to the grocery or a long drive to somewhere, I am secure in the thought that I am sort of prepared.
Miranda says
Glad to hear that, though I don’t always carry my first aid box I do ensure I have some medications in my handbag
Hannah says
When I’m going on a trip, I spend so much time planning what to pack that I neglect the car completely – i just make sure it’s full of petrol and that’s it! Not anymore 🙂
Miranda says
Hahaha I am glad I could help
jolene says
i love a good road trip.. and tidying the car is a good one.. esp with the little ones.. i usually get me husband to check the car stuff.. great tips
Miranda says
I am not big on the car stuff myself but definitely can clean and pack essentials
Talya says
Great tips – preparation is key for a successful roadtrip so you’ve nailed it in these tips!
Miranda says
Thanks Tayla
joanna says
Great and very important tips. We don’t go on road trips that often and not as long as u have.
Miranda says
Thanks, I don’t go on often as well but I do love it the few times that I do
Cathy Glynn says
Really useful tips and tyres are so important, they can save our life x
Miranda says
They absolutely can and its important to make sure they are checked regularly
Dean of Little Steps says
Useful tips! I love road-trips. We did one all way from Cornwall to a remote village in Loch Awe, Scotland and other one again, from Cornwall to France. I think our road-trips this summer will just be in England, and hopefully over the border to Wales 😉 x
Miranda says
Thanks, I am yet to venture to Cornwall but heading to France this weekend so excited
Keely says
Ooh I haven’t been on a road trip for ages! Thanks for sharing your tips.
Miranda says
You’re most welcome
Kira says
I’ve been wanting to go on a road trip and I’m thinking about planning one soon, and working out the cost etc! Would be a great thing to do during summer so thank you very much for the tips!
Miranda says
You’re most welcome and glad I shared my tips