{"id":41839,"date":"2026-10-14T00:00:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T00:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/blog\/?p=41839"},"modified":"2026-10-16T06:01:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T06:01:07","slug":"car-care-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/blog\/car-care-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Car Care Checklist Before a Festive Road Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"41839\" class=\"elementor elementor-41839\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6409c24 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6409c24\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-161e6a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"161e6a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A festive drive home often means a fully loaded car, long highway stretches and roads busier than usual. A short car care checklist, done about a week before you leave, catches most of the problems that cause breakdowns: worn or under-inflated tyres, low fluids, weak batteries and faulty lights.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This guide covers when to book a service, what to check yourself, which documents to carry, and quick checks to repeat on the way.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-506b43f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"506b43f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-036ef3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"036ef3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Should you get a car service before a long drive?<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc26a11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dc26a11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your next scheduled service is due soon or already overdue, book it before the trip rather than after. Your owner\u2019s manual or last service record will show when it\u2019s due, by date or by kilometres.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Workshops tend to be busy in the weeks before major festivals, so booking early gives the mechanic time to source any parts. When you book, ask them to look at the items in the checklist below. This works as a simple car service checklist to take with you, and you can tell them you\u2019re planning a long highway drive with a full load.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your car was serviced recently, the self-checks below are usually enough. Leave at least a few days between the checks and the trip, so there\u2019s time to fix anything you find.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1fdd83d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1fdd83d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-631901b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"631901b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>The car care checklist: what to check<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-86986b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"86986b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW190165157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW190165157 BCX0\">Most of these take a few minutes and need no tools. Do them with the engine cold and the car parked on level ground.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW190165157 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ba8691 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1ba8691\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87b1278 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"87b1278\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tyres, including the spare<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ecac4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9ecac4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tyres are the single most important road trip car check, because they\u2019re all that connects the car to the road.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pressure.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Check all four tyres and the spare when cold, using the pressure printed on the sticker inside the driver\u2019s door frame or in the manual. Some manuals list a higher pressure for a fully loaded car, which is worth using for a festive trip with family and luggage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tread.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Look for the small tread wear indicator bars in the grooves. If the tread is level with them, the tyre needs replacing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Damage.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Check sidewalls for cuts, bulges or cracks, and look for nails or stones lodged in the tread.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spare and tools.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Make sure the spare is inflated and that the jack, wheel spanner and locking-nut key (if your car has one) are in the boot.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d6f3dc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9d6f3dc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c6edbd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0c6edbd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Engine oil, coolant and other fluids<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-822bb89 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"822bb89\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Engine oil.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it and check the level sits between the two marks. Top up with the grade in your manual if it\u2019s low. Very dark, gritty oil is a sign a change is due.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Coolant.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Check the level in the coolant reservoir against the min and max marks. Never open the radiator or reservoir cap when the engine is hot.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brake fluid.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The reservoir is usually see-through with level marks. A level that keeps dropping needs a mechanic, not just a top-up.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Windscreen washer fluid.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Fill it up. Highway dust and insects build up quickly on long drives.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63e3b2f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"63e3b2f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-185f13c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"185f13c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Lights and visibility<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a79374 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2a79374\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ask someone to stand outside the car while you test every light: low and high beam, indicators on both sides, brake lights, reverse lights, hazard lights and fog lamps if fitted. Replace any blown bulb before the trip.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This matters more in the festive season, when evenings get dark earlier and many parts of north India see morning fog as winter sets in. Clean headlamp covers and a clear windscreen make a noticeable difference after dark.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7939c81 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7939c81\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c99f5b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c99f5b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Brakes<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4bf93b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4bf93b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW2686109 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW2686109 BCX0\">On a quiet road, notice whether the car pulls to one side when braking, whether the pedal feels soft or spongy, and whether you hear squealing or grinding. Any of these is a reason to have the brakes inspected before a long drive.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW2686109 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f425c31 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f425c31\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04f0c26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"04f0c26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Battery <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f920659 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f920659\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW109049466 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW109049466 BCX0\">Check that the battery terminals are tight and free of white or greenish corrosion. If the engine has been slow to start or the battery is several years old, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW109049466 BCX0\">ask<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW109049466 BCX0\"> a workshop to test it. A weak battery often fails on the first <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW109049466 BCX0\">cold morning<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW109049466 BCX0\"> or after the car has been parked for a few days.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW109049466 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-741d043 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"741d043\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1746c52 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1746c52\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Wipers, horn and AC<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b8fe5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b8fe5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW258778337 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW258778337 BCX0\">Replace wiper <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW258778337 BCX0\">blades<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW258778337 BCX0\"> that streak or judder. Check the horn <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW258778337 BCX0\">works, and<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW258778337 BCX0\"> run the AC for a few minutes: weak cooling or a musty smell can mean it needs servicing before hours on a hot highway.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW258778337 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddb18c3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ddb18c3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd9f5b8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"dd9f5b8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d02239 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1d02239\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ce0cdf elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9ce0cdf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW238647655 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW238647655 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">How do you get your car ready for a long drive?<\/span><\/span> <\/strong><\/p><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW179438276 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW179438276 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">Share your views <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW179438276 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">in surveys<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW179438276 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\"> with The Panel Station.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32519dd e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"32519dd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d920fb elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-align-right elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"9d920fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/dashboard\/surveys?utm_source=Organic&#038;utm_medium=Blog&#038;utm_campaign=SEO\" id=\"Blog_Content_CTA_1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Participate in a Survey<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3b0dcd e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f3b0dcd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17fc39a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"17fc39a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Documents and essentials to carry <\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7551dc5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7551dc5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A traffic check or a minor accident is far easier to handle with the right papers to hand.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Documents.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Driving licence, registration certificate (RC), valid insurance and pollution under control (PUC) certificate. Digital copies in DigiLocker or mParivahan are generally accepted.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"10\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FASTag.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Check the balance and that it\u2019s active and linked to the right vehicle, since toll plazas on national highways collect tolls through FASTag.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Emergency kit.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> First aid kit, torch, reflective warning triangle, tow rope, jump leads, a basic tool kit and a tyre inflator if you have one.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"12\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For the journey.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Drinking water, snacks, phone chargers and some cash for places where digital payment isn\u2019t possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"13\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Emergency numbers.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Save 112 (national emergency number) and the NHAI highway helpline 1033 in your phone.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d10fe04 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d10fe04\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a379f99 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a379f99\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Clean and pack the car<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3b7c35 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f3b7c35\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A clean car is a safer one on a long drive, not just a nicer one.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Glass and mirrors.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Clean the windscreen inside and out, plus all windows and mirrors. A film on the inside of the glass causes glare at night.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"10\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clear the cabin.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Remove loose items that could roll under the pedals or fly forward in a hard stop.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pack heavy items low.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Put heavy bags at the bottom of the boot and behind the rear seats, and avoid stacking luggage above the seat backs where it blocks the rear view.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"12\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t overload.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The maximum load is listed in the manual. Too much weight affects braking and tyre wear.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"13\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Child seats.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Fit them before you set off, and check they\u2019re secured according to the seat\u2019s instructions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6341adf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6341adf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0f8781 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e0f8781\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Quick checks on the road<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-861f3eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"861f3eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A long drive puts steady strain on the car, so a minute at each stop helps.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"14\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Walk around the car and look at all four tyres.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"15\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Watch the dashboard for any new warning lights, especially temperature, oil pressure and battery.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"16\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the temperature gauge climbs, pull over safely, switch off and wait for the engine to cool before checking coolant.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"17\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Take regular breaks. Tiredness is a risk on long festive drives, especially at night.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c381a9d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c381a9d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8debbb6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8debbb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Checklist at a glance<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8176e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b8176e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<table style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-tablestyle=\"MsoTableGrid\" data-tablelook=\"1184\" aria-rowcount=\"5\" aria-colcount=\"2\"><tbody><tr aria-rowindex=\"1\"><td data-celllook=\"65536\"><strong>When\u00a0<\/strong><\/td><td data-celllook=\"65536\"><strong>What to check\u00a0<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr aria-rowindex=\"2\"><td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A week before<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td><td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Book a service if due; test battery if it\u2019s old or slow to start<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr aria-rowindex=\"3\"><td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A few days before<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td><td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tyres and spare, oil, coolant, brake and washer fluids, all lights, wipers, horn, AC<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr aria-rowindex=\"4\"><td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The day before<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td><td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Documents, FASTag, emergency kit, clean glass, pack heavy items low<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr aria-rowindex=\"5\"><td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At every stop<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td><td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Walk-round tyre check, dashboard warning lights, a break for the driver<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99fa3ca e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"99fa3ca\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a2c208 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4a2c208\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW19984776 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW19984776 BCX0\">A few minutes on these checks means more of the festive break is spent with family rather than at a roadside.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW19984776 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82f2cef e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"82f2cef\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97ead6d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"97ead6d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab8c570 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ab8c570\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9e5a17 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e9e5a17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW160492318 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW160492318 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">Planning more festive travel this season?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW114787427 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">Log in to see which surveys are open <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW114787427 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">for<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW114787427 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\"> you now.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd4789d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bd4789d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a973fb elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-align-right elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"9a973fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/login?utm_source=Organic&#038;utm_medium=Blog&#038;utm_campaign=SEO\" id=\"Blog_Content_CTA_2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Participate in a Survey<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87584fa e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"87584fa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40f81d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"40f81d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2af0ed2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2af0ed2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bea88de elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"bea88de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1990\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1990\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q1: How many days before a road trip should I check my car?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1990\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd9fff4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fd9fff4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82e51ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"82e51ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW241066425 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW241066425 BCX0\">About a week before is ideal. That leaves time to book a service, replace a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW241066425 BCX0\">tyre<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW241066425 BCX0\"> or battery, or source a part if the checks turn up a problem. Repeat the quick <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW241066425 BCX0\">tyre<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW241066425 BCX0\"> and light checks the day before you leave.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW241066425 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1991\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1991\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q2: What tyre pressure should I use for a long drive?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1991\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d36e564 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d36e564\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b198464 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b198464\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW94597207 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94597207 BCX0\">Use the pressure your <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW94597207 BCX0\">car\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94597207 BCX0\"> manufacturer recommends, printed on the sticker inside the driver\u2019s door frame or in the owner\u2019s manual. Many manuals give a separate, higher figure for a fully loaded car. Always check pressure when the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW94597207 BCX0\">tyres<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94597207 BCX0\"> are cold.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW94597207 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1992\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1992\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q3: Is a full car service necessary before every long drive?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1992\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf082a1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bf082a1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8abf6f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8abf6f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW63925537 BCX0\">No. If your car is up to date on its scheduled service, the self-checks in this guide are usually enough. Book a service if one is due soon, if <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW63925537 BCX0\">you\u2019ve<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW63925537 BCX0\"> noticed any warning signs such as brake noise or slow starting, or if the car <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW63925537 BCX0\">hasn\u2019t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW63925537 BCX0\"> been driven much recently.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1993\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1993\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q4: How can I tell if my car battery might fail on the trip?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1993\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ec1438 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7ec1438\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f2ec74 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f2ec74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW368012 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW368012 BCX0\">Common warning signs are slow cranking when you start the engine, dim headlights at idle, corrosion on the terminals, or a battery that is several years old. A workshop can test it in a few minutes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1994\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1994\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q5: What should I do if the engine overheats on the highway?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1994\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4746081 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4746081\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43ca17a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"43ca17a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW84889810 BCX0\">Pull over somewhere safe, switch off the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW84889810 BCX0\">engine<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW84889810 BCX0\"> and turn on the hazard lights. Wait until the engine has fully cooled before opening the bonnet or checking coolant, because a hot cooling system is under pressure. If it happens again, call for roadside help rather than <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW84889810 BCX0\">continuing<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW84889810 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1995\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1995\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Q6: How do I take care of my car during a long festive trip?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1995\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-176915a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"176915a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7de0c0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7de0c0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW93460430 BCX0\">Avoid overloading it, take breaks every few hours, walk round the car at each stop to look at the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW93460430 BCX0\">tyres<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW93460430 BCX0\">, and watch for new dashboard warning lights. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW93460430 BCX0\">Check fuel and plan <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW93460430 BCX0\">refuelling<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW93460430 BCX0\"> in advance on less busy routes.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Q1: How many days before a road trip should I check my car?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"About a week before is ideal. 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