Driving
Rail strikes and airline chaos can make the prospect of jumping in the car and hitting the road seem particularly appealing this summer.
Without the right preparation, however, road travel can prove just as stressful and costly as the alternatives. Whether you’re setting off on a family break, romantic retreat or some festival fun, it pays to plan ahead.
1. Prep your ride
Avoid unnecessary delays or breakdowns by giving your car the once over before you set off. Top up oil and water levels, check tyre pressure and tread and fill up the fuel tank.
2. Plan your route
It may sound obvious, but a well-planned route can cut chunks off your journey time. Avoid traffic black spots, keep up with traffic bulletins on the radio and check for road closures and lengthy diversions. Even if you’re using SatNav, familiarise yourself with the major road names, junctions and exits you’re aiming for, indecisive driving is a serious cause of traffic problems.
3. Less haste
Leave yourself plenty of time. With increased road traffic over the summer months, speeding is more hazardous than ever. Build time for stops into your journey; stopping for 15 minutes every two hours will break the journey up and allow you to grab a drink or snack, helping keep your energy levels up.
4. Pack smart
Pack the car boot with safety and comfort in mind. Secure bags and boxes to stop them sliding around and keep the parcel shelf clear. Don’t pile luggage so high that it obstructs your rear view and if transporting larger objects such as tents, bikes or barbecues, consider fitting a roof box. Not only will this ensure that your luggage is safely stowed, a roof box is designed with aerodynamics in mind, which can help reduce fuel consumption.
5. Just in case
If you do break down, make sure you’re equipped to deal with it. Always carry a spare tyre, jack, locking key for wheel nuts and a hazard triangle. Before you leave home, double-check that your breakdown cover is up to date and fully charge your mobile phone in case of emergencies. Think also about your own comfort – pack extra clothing, blankets, food, drinks and sunscreen – you never quite know what to expect from British weather!
6. Tow the line
If you’re among the million Brits who take their caravan on holiday every year then it’s vital that you take extra care to guarantee the safety of yourself and those around you.
· Stick to the maximum speed of 50mph on single carriageway roads and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways
· Check the brake cables and linkages as seizing up is a common problem and causes the bearings to overheat, which may result in a serious problem
· Consider extended door mirrors for improved visibility and bear in mind stopping and turning times, which will be considerably longer
· If it’s your first time, practice in a large open space before hitting the open road
7. Entertainment
Banish cries of ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ by ensuring there’s plenty to keep all passengers amused. If eye-spy won’t cut it, audio books are a great way to pass the time. Otherwise, prepare a playlist before you set off.
Research supplied by Kia Motors UK
Tagged in Travel