As a newly-qualified or learner driver, your first long journey as the driver can be a bit daunting, but with the aid of a few tips, you can easily be prepared for the challenge.
You and Your Passengers
Ensure that you are fresh and alert, having got a good night’s sleep beforehand, and if you’re still a learner, make sure that at least one of your passengers is a suitably-qualified driver. Don’t forget the ‘L’ plates! You may have your hands full concentrating on the journey, and there’s nothing to stop your passengers keeping themselves occupied with music, conversation or car games – as long as they don’t distract you.
The Car
There’s a few basic mechanical checks that you can make, in addition to having a full service record, a current VOSA certificate (formerly MoT), and ensuring that you have an up to date andvalid learner driver insurance. Detailed instruction for these tasks can be found in the vehicle’s manual, or in a workshop manual such as those published by Haynes.
Check the oil level and condition. The oil dipstick is usually clearly colour-coded, and sometimes has an oil can symbol embossed in it for extra clarity.
With the engine cold, and the car on level ground, remove the dipstick, clean with a lint-free cloth (to avoid transferring cloth fibres onto the stick and back into the engine) and replace. Remove again, and inspect it.
The oil level should be between the low and high marks on the dipstick, and the ideal is for the oil to be semi-transparent and golden. If the level is low, add oil of the type recommended by the maker, checking the level again to ensure you don’t overfill above the high mark. If the oil has become excessively black and tarry, it may be time for a full oil change before your trip.
Check the tyre pressures and condition of the tyres and wheels, including the spare wheel, if you have one. If your car doesn’t carry a spare wheel, check that you have a puncture repair kit with you. Tyre pressure gauges can be bought from many garages and motoring supply stores, and every car and driver should have one.
Remember to replace the dust caps on each valve after checking. The recommended tyre pressures will be found in the owner’s manual or a workshop manual, and often on a sticker attached to either the inside panel of one of the doors, or the inside of the fuel filler cap.
As regards condition, you should check that all the tyres have a good depth of tread, are free from cuts and other damage, and that there are no nails or other objects embedded in the tread. If you’re doing this without jacking the car up, it will be necessary to roll the car back and forth and/or turn the steering from lock to lock to inspect the whole tread area.
Fill the windscreen washer bottle with a mix of washer fluid and clean water, and check the condition of the windscreen wipers. They should be clean and free from any damage. If they won’t operate without juddering and/or making screeching noises against the screen, it’s time they were replaced.
Lastly, if you are making your first long road trip in winter, check the weather forecast, and be prepared in case you hit snow. Pack a shovel or two, blankets and/or extra clothing, a torch, warning triangle, and a flask of tea or coffee, and some cake, biscuits or energy bars. Ensure that all of these will be easily reachable, and aren’t buried under your luggage!
As you gain experience, much of the above will become routine, and you may well add your own checks and tips to form your own routine. Happy motoring!
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