13th March 2025
More and more of us are planning a staycation in the UK this summer. This means car preparation is vital before you start your journey. We’ve put together this essential holiday checklist to ensure your car journey goes smoothly and is incident-free. Follow this checklist to make sure you’re ready for the road.
Checking your fluid levels should include oil, coolant, water, screen wash and brake fluid. Find out what brake fluid your car needs here. You should also ensure your battery power level is sufficient.
These will make a huge difference to your driving experience in many ways – from tyre wear and ride quality to fuel consumption and driver safety. All are central to any self-drive holiday or road trip, so make sure yours are right. You’ll find the correct pressures for your vehicle (whether laden or otherwise) either on the inside of the driver's door or the inside of your fuel cap.
Your tyre tread provides the essential grip you need to safely drive, especially in wet weather conditions. It may be a summer holiday, but we all know from experience that anywhere in Britain is prone to downpours – no matter the time of year! Tyre experts, like Merityre and Continental, recommend that you drive on tyres that have at least 3mm of tread depth. Driving with a tyre tread depth of less than 3mm increases your stopping distance, especially in the rain, which could potentially endanger both you and your passengers
No one wants to sustain a puncture or sidewall blowout, especially when on holiday. Inspect your tyres for any damage before you set off. Keep an eye out for any cuts, nicks, tears, cracks and bulges, as well as for objects that may be lodged in your tyres, such as nails, glass, stones, or other debris.
One way to avoid having to stop because of a puncture. Run flats have reinforced tyre walls which will maintain their shape for longer even after a puncture. Self-sealing tyres automatically self-seal puncture holes (up to 5 mm in diameter) from inside the tyre.
Another way is to fit tyres like Continental run flat tyres. If you’re unfortunate enough to sustain a puncture, this tyre (with its extra strong sidewalls) allows you to continue driving for up to another 50 miles before you need to stop and replace it. This means you can safely continue with your journey and stop at a location of your choice. Merityre Specialists offer a wide range of tyres available to buy online from all leading tyre manufacturers.
Remember, if you’re the kind of person who’s happy to change their own tyre, be sure to pack your car jack and locking wheel nut key and ensure they’re easily accessible.
Preparing your car before a holiday or road trip is key to a safe, enjoyable journey. By following these simple checks, you’ll minimise the risk of breakdowns and ensure your tyres are ready for any adventure.
Need a tyre check or replacement? Book an appointment with Merityre Specialists today! Our experts can inspect and maintain your tyres providing you with ultimate peace of mind on the road. Book your service now! Safe travels and have a great holiday!