Things to check before a long journey

• Oil - use the dipstick or car computer to check your car's oil level.
• Windscreen wipers and washer fluid - Keeping your windscreen clear is essential so you can see safely. Replace worn wiper blades and make sure you keep the washer fluid topped up. In Winter make sure the fluid is diluted correctly so it doesn't freeze!
• Tyre pressure and tread - make sure your car's tyres up pumped to the correct pressures. These can sometimes be found stuck under the driver's side door. This is especially important if you're carrying a heavy load. Also check that your tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread. Anything less than that means they are dangerous and illegal and you could be fined.
• Coolant - check your car's coolant level, especially on hot summer days.
• Lights - Lights are essential so you can see and be seen by other drivers. Make sure they are all working, ask somoeone to help check the rear lights if you need to.
• Supplies - Make sure you have sufficient supplies of snacks and drinks and appropriate clothing should you break down. Remember that if you break down on the motorway then you'll need to exit the vehicle while you wait for recovery.

If you're travelling abroad then make sure you check the requirements for each country you'll be driving through. You may need extra safety equipment, headlight beam deflectors and a country code sticker.