Top Tips on Preparing Your Car for a UK Road Trip
- Get a summer health check for your vehicle
- Make sure you have all the essential documents – from the logbook to insurance
- Driving an EV? Check your vehicle’s range and plan where to charge
- Clean your car before setting off, for a comfortable journey
- Scotland is one of the top road trip destinations in the UK
A successful road trip takes more planning than you might think. We have created a guide for you, including everything from vehicle checks to packing advice.
Continue reading to find out how to make your upcoming trip memorable.
Summer is the perfect time for a new car. You can find a collection of new and used cars from Macklin Motors.
Make sure your car is in top condition for a UK road trip
During your trip, you will probably end up driving more than any other time of the year, so it’s a good idea to get your car checked out.
At Macklin Motors, we offer different levels of vehicle checks, depending on your needs. Book your vehicle check today to get your car ready for the adventure.
Book a summer health check now
Do your own car health check at home on:
- Tyre pressure
- Front and rear lights
- Oils
- Screen washer level
- Coolant level
You should have the following with you:
- Car insurance
- Breakdown cover
- Your logbook
- Updated navigation system
- Paper map – you never know when you might need it
- EV charging cable, phone charger, and other cables
Before you set off
Remember to pack warm clothing with you. We understand how tempting it is to only take your summer clothes for the trip. However, as we know, you can never rely on the UK weather.
Having extra clothes with you is especially useful if you plan on sleeping in a tent. The temperature will drop during the night, and you will find yourself being grateful for the extra layer.
It is also easier to enjoy the journey with a clear plan. Schedule your stops by finding the nearest petrol or charging stations. If you are driving an electric vehicle, it’s good to be aware of how far you can drive on a single charge.
You can easily locate the nearest available charging points with Zapmap's live map.
Remember to also:
- Clean and tidy your car
- Arrange entertainment for the passengers, especially if travelling with small children
- Add all drivers to your insurance as a registered driver
- Buy food, and refreshments
- Get tissues, wet wipes and hand sanitiser
- Take sunglasses with you
Perfect UK holiday destinations
Need travel inspiration? We’ve made a list of Great Days out to Enjoy this Spring, highlighting some of the greatest places to visit this year. Maybe you want to explore the historic Islands Coast Scenic Drive in Scotland, or Scottish Seabird Centre in East Lothian.
Some of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK are:
- Scottish Highlands
- Glasgow
- Atlantic Highway, South West England
- Wild Wales, North Wales
- Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
We hope your UK road trip is a success! For more tips and interesting articles, visit our newsroom.