The Perfect Vehicle Inspection List

Author Name – Ben Garner

    3 people

Going on a long journey in your car can be an exciting adventure, especially during breaks and holiday getaways. Whether you're heading on a road trip with the family or setting off on a weekend escape, it’s essential to make sure your car is safe and reliable before hitting the road. Regular car maintenance is crucial, and it’s even more important when planning a long journey.

Before you hit the road, you need to perform a thorough safety inspection to ensure that your car is in top condition. Here are some essential safety inspections that you should do on your car before a long journey.

car check

1.Check your tyres

Your tyres are one of the most critical components to inspect before a long journey. Ensure that the tyre pressure is at the recommended level to avoid poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, or blowouts. Also, check the tread depth, as insufficient tread can affect grip, especially in wet conditions. If the tread is too shallow, replace the tyres.

Additionally, look for any cuts, punctures, or bulges on the tyre sidewalls. Damaged tyres need to be replaced immediately. If you're unsure about the condition of your tyres, we offer a FREE tyre check at National for peace of mind.

Free Tyre Check

2.Check your brakes

Brakes are essential for safety. Before a long journey, listen for any strange noises when applying the brakes, and feel for any vibrations. Check the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary. Also, check the brake fluid—low fluid levels can cause a spongy feeling, reducing stopping power.

We also offer a FREE brake check, which can be booked by clicking on the link below.

Free Brake Check

3.Check your fluid levels

Fluid levels play a vital role in your car's performance and reliability. Before a long journey, you should check the oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. You can find the recommended fluid levels in your car's owner's manual.

Low oil levels can cause engine damage and reduce your car's performance. Low coolant levels can cause your engine to overheat, which can be dangerous. Low power steering fluid can make it difficult to steer your car, and low transmission fluid can cause transmission damage. It's essential to top up any low fluid levels before you embark on a long journey.

4.Check your lights

Your car's lights play an important role in your safety on the road, especially when driving at night or in low light conditions. Before a long journey, check all your car's lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights.

You can ask someone to help you check your car's lights. Turn on the headlights, and have them check that both headlights are working correctly. Then, apply the brakes and make sure that the brake lights come on. Finally, turn on the turn signals and reverse lights to ensure that they're functioning correctly.

We can check your car's lights for FREE as part of our 5-point car check. To book a free check, click the button below.

5-Point Check

If you notice that your headlamps aren't both pointing straight, you may need them realigned. To book a headlight realignment, click the link below.

Headlamp Alignment

5.Check your battery

A dead battery can be frustrating, especially when you're on a long journey. Before you hit the road, check your car's battery and make sure that it's in good condition. You can use a battery tester to check the battery's voltage and ensure that it's within the recommended range.

If your battery is more than three years old, it's time to replace it, even if it's still working correctly. You don't want to risk having a dead battery on a long journey.

At National, we offer a FREE battery health check. To book your vehicle in for a check, click the button below.

Book Today

TRIP Campaign: Additional Tips for Safe Driving


In partnership with National Highways, we encourage you to follow their TRIP campaign to make sure you're prepared for any journey. The T-R-I-P campaign focuses on:

T is for Top-Up: Ensure your fuel, battery, oil, and screenwash are all topped up. Running low on any of these can leave you stranded, especially on long trips or in bad weather.


R is for Rest: Take regular breaks during long drives. National Highways recommends a 15-minute break every two hours to avoid fatigue. If you feel tired, pull over and take a short break before continuing.


I is for Inspect: Regularly check your tyres, including tread depth and pressure, to maintain safe driving conditions, especially in adverse weather.


P is for Prepare: Always be ready for any weather condition. Pack essentials for winter driving (de-icer, ice scraper, warm clothing) or summer essentials (water, sunglasses). Check the weather forecast before heading out.


By following these simple steps, you can avoid breakdowns and drive with confidence, knowing that you're well-prepared for whatever comes your way.

 

By following these simple steps, you can avoid breakdowns and drive with confidence, knowing that you're well-prepared for whatever comes your way. Don’t forget, you can also take advantage of our 30-point car safety inspection, which covers a range of checks to ensure your vehicle is in top condition between MOT tests.

Book your 30-Point Car Check

This thorough inspection helps to minimise the risk of breakdowns and keeps your car running as smoothly as possible, so you can enjoy a safer, more reliable journey every time.

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