While most of us aren’t getting the summer holiday we planned for this year due to lockdown restrictions, talks of UK based holidays being permitted by July are certainly in the works. With such talks has come a rush of people booking hotels, b&bs, caravans and more, with that long-sought-after release from lockdown on everyone’s minds. While we expect the holiday market to look incredibly different this year, road trips could still be a great way to get out of your hometown and onto the road for a few days or more. Whether you’re armed with a caravan, or you’ll be looking for one-night stays in different spots across the UK, here is our road trip checklist to make sure you have everything you and your car needs for a safe drive.

First Aid Kit

While not every injury can be fixed by the roadside, having a first aid kit in your car could be the best decision you ever make. From having plasters on hand for minor injuries, to alcohol wipes to clean any cuts and avoid infection, even through to including a few painkillers for an unexpected headache, having a first aid kit on hand is ideal. Some even come with guides on how to treat minor injuries and burns, so shop around or compile your very own personalised kit.

Your Driver’s Licence

While it’s not a legal requirement to carry your driver’s licence with you at all times in the car, it’s highly recommended that you do anyway. If you get pulled over or an officer asks to see your licence, you dont have to show them immediately, but in the event you don’t have it with you, you will need to show it at a police station within 7 days. If you’re off on a road trip, this could mean having to drive all the way home to get it and all the way back again. Double check your purse or wallet before you go, and check that everything on the licence is up to date.

Breakdown and Recovery Information

If you breakdown in the middle of nowhere or somewhere you aren’t familiar with, having breakdown and recovery information on hand could prevent any excess stress in an already stressful situation. Being able to simply hit ‘call’ on a number for a mechanic already stored in your phone, along with any other additional information for garages or companies ready at the tap of a button or written down in your glovebox, could cut down the time it takes to get someone to you considerably.

Hand Sanitiser And Masks

While it’s unknown whether masks and sanitiser will be required following lockdown being lifted, we’d still advise having some on you anyway. Hand sanitiser can be useful not only for adhering to coronavirus advice, but to kill any germs and leave your hands feeling a little cleaner. Sanitising wipes can also be useful for a quick clean, particularly if you have to stop and work on your car. Having a pack of disposable masks will also make sure you aren’t caught unawares and always have one nearby, just in case.

Map

While most of us have our phones on hand ready and raring to go with GPS, you cant always rely on phone signal or for your phone battery to last right when you need it. Having a physical map on hand will help prevent you from being stuck in a difficult situation with no idea where to go. Besides, plotting out your journey on a paper map has a far more road trip feel to it!

Music

You’ll be on the road for hours, so you’ll need hours of good music! Whether you set up a playlist that you can all contribute to, or you’re off on your own solo trip with full control over the aux cord, having the right music can create the perfect mood and atmosphere for the whole trip. Make a mix of feelgood tunes and some of your sing-along favourites, or maybe have some chilled-out tunes on standby for nighttime trips or those moments you just want to relax and enjoy the drive.

Roadside Emergency Kit

It’s more or less impossible to always predict when your car is going to break down or when you might find yourself in a roadside emergency. Having a kit in your car at all times will help ensure that you are ready for every eventuality. Include things like jumper cables, warning triangles, towing ropes, a safety hammer, a few key tools such as a wrench and a multifunction tool, as well as safety vests, gloves, torches and a tyre pressure gauge.

A Jacket

Anyone that’s lived in the UK for any length of time knows just how unpredictable British weather can really be. You can start the day with blistering sunshine, and end with a torrential downpour with no warning whatsoever. On a road trip, it’s important to be prepared for every weather type, so it’s always best to keep a jacket accessible in your car, just in case. If you get stuck in traffic, for example, having that jacket within reach if the weather changes or gets colder can keep you warm without having to use your heater too much.

Blankets

Keeping a blanket in the car serves as a multi-use item in more ways than you might expect. From keeping you warm if you end up stuck in non-moving traffic or at the side of the road after a breakdown, to serving as a mat or rug if you need to sit or lay on the floor. They can also act as a way of hiding any valuables in your car if you need to stop along the way.

Spare Key

Keeping the spare key with you in a safe place is a great way to ensure you aren’t stuck with any hefty towing or locksmith fees in an emergency. Keeping the spare key in your bag or giving it to other passengers for safe keeping can help to make sure you always have access to your car, even if you lose your keys while out and about.

Water And Non-Perishable Snacks

Whether it’s a roadside breakdown or unexpected traffic that’s reached a standstill, having a bottle of water and some non-perishable snacks can really be a lifesaver in a sticky situation. It’s ideal to keep fresh water in your car when you’re driving at all times, but having a spare bottle just in case can give you extra reassurance while on the road. Non-perishables such as nuts, dried fruit, rice cakes, granola bars and some hard sweets or dark chocolate are great snacks for on the road – anything with a long shelf life that is easy to eat while on the road will work.

Spare Tyre Or Repair Kit

Having a spare tyre and the knowledge to change a flat roadside can be the difference between getting back out on the road quickly, and having to wait for a recovery vehicle. Before you set off anyway, make sure that you have a spare tyre, or that the one you have is in perfect or good enough condition. You could also bring a repair kit with you, to repair the flat tyre.

Extra Fluids

Keeping spare fluids such as engine coolant, washer fluid and oil in your car when off on a road trip, can help ensure that you’re never caught off guard or in a sticky situation. Having a bottle or two tucked away means you can top up as and when needed to avoid any disastrous or potentially dangerous situations. Book your car in for a service prior to your trip to make sure that all oil and coolant levels are sufficient, and that there are no leaks, to be safe.

Spare Shoes

Unexpected rain, mud, or even a broken shoe can make it incredibly difficult to drive safely after a stop on your road trip, which is why we advise you to always keep a spare pair of drive-ready shoes in your car. This ensures that you will always be able to get on the road without worrying about slipping from the pedal or being uncomfortable while driving. This can also be useful if you find yourself driving after wearing heels all day. Having a safe pari of flats in the car can give you the comfort and control you need to operate the car safely.

Check out our list of essentials you should keep in your car for more information. For more information or to book your car in for a service ready for a big road trip, get in touch with our team, today.