Car journey checklist before going on a long drive

When heading out on a long journey, there are a few things that you may need to check before hitting the road. Put it this way, you don't want to be halfway away from home and realise you have forgotten your mobile phone or notice that your engine oil needs topping up. So by ticking a few boxes, you will ensure that your trip is as enjoyable as possible.

Windscreen wiper fluid

Most people may not think this is important but when driving on the motorway, your windscreen is likely to get very dirty. You can buy 2.5 litre windscreen wiper fluid for as little as £3.49. Most people opt to just add water or mix with washing up liquid instead of buying screen wash but the difference when cleaning your windscreen is easy to see. When driving it's very important to be able to see clearly ahead without any dirt on the windscreen.

Windscreen wipers

Regularly check your windscreen wiper blades for wear and tear. The last thing you want on a long journey are squeaky wiper blades. Wiper blades are cheap and easy to fit. When buying, make sure you have the correct size to fit the make and model of your car.

Car light maintenance

Checking that your car lights are working correctly is also very important. If you get pulled over by the police, you can receive a fine. The easiest and most effective way is to switch on your lights and also your hazard lights and to walk round the car to make sure all lights are working properly. This method is probably most effective at dusk when the sun is about to set. Remember to put your car in reverse mode as well to check the reverse lights are okay too.

Check your tyre pressure

Incorrect tyre pressure will slow down your car and consume more fuel. So make sure your car tyres' have the right pressure in them. It's best to check the pressure when the tyres are cold.

Carry an emergency kit

Always carry an emergency kit in the boot of your car. This should contain:

• Water (it doesn't expire and will last a long time)
• Food (chocolate and crisps)
• Blanket - it can get very cold at night and you never know when you might need it.
• Jump start leads - there may come a time when you may need to help someone or get somebody else to help you
• Warning triangle - if you need to pull over because of an accident or a fault in your car, you need to place an orange warning triangle at least 50 metres away from the vehicle.
• A torch will also come in handy especially if you have to check under the bonnet of the car when it's dark.

Things which might be necessary for the journey

There are a couple of things which you might need when setting on a long drive. These include:

• mobile phone & in-car charger
• your music - CDs, iPod, MP3 player
• sat nav or road maps
• list of important telephone numbers to contact in case of emergency just in case your mobile does not work

Of course, there are other things as well which need to be taken into consideration like carrying your driving licence & insurance documents if you do not want to be pulled over unnecessarily. You need to remember to carry your wallet and some cash with you as well. Make sure that your road tax, MOT and insurance are up to date and check that you have enough fuel for your journey.