Before you start planning your next motoring holiday it’s a good idea to make sure your vehicle is in tiptop condition for the trip.  Naturally, you’ll also want to ensure that your car insurance policy is up-to-date and gives you the correct cover you will need to enjoy your holiday.

 Many motorists are happy to leave the car in its existing condition, trusting that their most recent service will have their vehicle prepared for the trip.  But there are plenty of things you can do to make your trip safer and we will soon be going over some of the tips you can follow to give you the peace of mind you need before you start your holiday.  After all, the safety of your family should be paramount, and that is a good enough reason to make sure your car is safe and well prepared for the journey ahead.

Here is a quick four-point safety check you can do before you drive out of the garage.

Check your fluid levels.  Make sure your engine is turned off before you check the engine oil level and ensure that the level of the dipstick is between the two indicator marks.  Top-up if it’s a bit low otherwise check for the colour of the oil.  If it is too dark or even black you might consider an oil change before embarking on your journey. Tyres.  Check your tyres for wear and tear and make sure there is adequate tread on all four tyres plus the spare.  If you are unsure as to whether or not you have sufficient tread, check with your local auto mechanic, or else check with the tyre manufacturer.  As a rule of thumb, the depth of a match head is the minimum tread requirement, so always make sure you have at least twice that much before starting your trip.  Check the walls of the tyres for any cracks or signs of undue wear and tear.  Again, if in doubt have your vehicle checked by a mechanic. Check your seatbelts and airbag system.  As you know, these are designed to save you in the event of a collision so it’s vital they are all in good condition.  Make sure the airbag warning light illuminates as soon as you turn the ignition key to start your engine.  Whilst most cars indicate possible failures, if you don’t see the warning light at all it’s a good opportunity to have your system checked. When packing your vehicle for your holiday, make sure you leave the most regularly used items in an easily accessible place in your boot or back seat.  Having said that, it’s also important to secure any loose items that may fly around the vehicle in the event of sudden braking or turning sharp corners. This quick check guide is only meant to be an indication of the least you should do before starting any holiday.  The best advice is to always have your car serviced by a mechanic before your journey begins so that you can be sure of a safe and happy holiday.  As mentioned previously, your auto insurance should be up-to-date so that you are covered in the event of an accident.