Check out our summer road trip checklist

It’s almost that time of year again, in another month or so schools will be out for Summer and thousands of families will be heading off on their holidays. Even just traveling across Yorkshire from Knaresborough to Scarborough will see you clocking over 70 miles each way.

Whether you’re driving abroad, to one of the UK’s holiday spot’s or even just to the airport, there are a few things you should do before you go.

1. Get your car checked over by the professionals

If you take nothing else from this blog… We’d always recommend you book in for a service before heading off on a long journey. It’s not worth risking – especially if you have precious cargo on board (e.g your partner and kids). During your service, we’ll check all of the essential functions of your car to ensure you’re road trip ready. For more information and to book in at our garage in Knaresborough, Northallerton or Darlington – take a look here.

2. Charge your SatNav

Not only will a fully charged SatNav with pre-loaded journey make the drive less stressful, it will help eradicate the age-old issue of asking for directions… Keep a paper map in your glove box just in case.

3. Keep an emergency kit in the car.

We know the ‘British Summer’ might feel like a myth at times, but heatwaves do happen (especially if you’re traveling abroad), and can cause havoc on your engine and potentially you! Are you prepared for a blowout or a break down in gridlock traffic in the scorching summer heat? Getting a service at your local Vasstech garage will help eradicate the risks, but we always recommend you keep an emergency kit in the car for long journeys. This should Incorporate plenty of water (which could double as emergency engine coolant for until you can get your hands on some antifreeze), a torch, blanket, first aid kit and basic tools.

4. Driving abroad? Do you have the necessary equipment, permits, knowledge, and paperwork?

If you’re planning to drive your car abroad, be sure to check what equipment, permits and paperwork are compulsory in the countries you’ll be driving in. For example, in some countries, you’ll need an international driver permit and in France, it’s illegal to drive whilst wearing headphones. When traveling to Europe (maybe you’re one of the lucky one’s going to the Euro’s?), it’s a legal requirement to carry a Euro traveler kit in your car at all times. To help make things a little easier, this month, our Knaresborough Vasstech branch are offering Eurotraveller kits to hire for just £20, or buy for £29.99.

5. Check your vehicle’s load capacity

Many people don’t realise cars have load capacities, as do roof racks! Loading the car above and beyond these levels compromises the safety of the vehicle affecting stopping distances and overall stability of the vehicle. Extra cargo will also reduce your fuel economy potentially turning your eco-warrior into a gas guzzler. You can find your vehicle load capacity (which includes everything in and on the car) on the ‘VIN plate’ under the bonnet or in the handbook.

Here at Vasstech we offer a full range of vehicle services at Knaresborough, Northallerton, and Darlington, so please feel free to check out our vehicle services page and get in touch with your local Vasstech today!

If you’re unsure of anything above or would like some further advice about getting your car ready for a summer road trip don’t hesitate to call or email one of the Vasstech branches. To book in for your summer service simply click ‘book online’ at the top right of this page.