Drivers warned over Christmas travel dangers as road trip checklist issued

Christmas will see thousands of people setting off to be with families, relatives or friends for the festive break.

And many are making their first long journey in almost two years after staying local because of all the lockdowns and tiered restrictions.

Motoring experts are urging people to prepare carefully for any road trips over Christmas so they don't get caught unawares by potential problems.

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The festive season is often accompanied by freezing weather which can have a big impact on road conditions, making essential safety checks more important than ever.

A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: "As excited as we all are to see family and friends around the festive period, it is super important for motorists to ensure the safety of their vehicle before setting off.

“The winter can present a lot of unpredictable weather conditions, cars are best suited to drive through treacherous conditions when they have had checks carried out to ensure optimum driving capabilities.

"A few simple checks will help significantly to help drivers relax and enjoy the Christmas songs on their journey."

Here is StressFreeCarRental.com's Christmas road trip checklist:

1. Presents

Of course, you should ensure you have all the presents and cards on board before setting off, as well as any other bags containing clothes, toiletries and other essentials if you're going to be away for a few days over the holiday.

When it comes to getting the car loaded, drivers should ensure they pack smartly to reduce the amount of luggage or presents blocking visibility. Don't pile up loose bags or boxes on the passenger seat or back seat where they might block the view - or fall over while you are driving and cause distraction or breakages.

2. Emergency kit

On dark wintry nights, driving conditions can change drastically and leave drivers in a situation they were not prepared for.

To avoid experiencing any panic or distress, ensure you have a small emergency kit including a car phone charger, hi-vis clothing, the phone number for your breakdown provider, warm clothing, a torch, and some snacks and bottled water.

Check your phone is fully charged before setting off; you may also be able to top it up whilst en-route using an in-car charger.

3. Lights

As the days get shorter, ensuring all vehicle lights are functioning properly is not only essential but also a legal requirement.

Motorists can simply check their headlights by turning them on and then walking in front of the car. They should appear bright and even on both sides. Give them a wipe if they are dirty.

Brake lights and reverse lights can be checked by having someone stand behind the vehicle.

4. Tyres

Snow, sleet, rain and frost can all have a huge impact on the terrain, meaning tyre upkeep is more important than ever in the winter months.

An easy and effective way for motorists to check their tyre tread depth is to place a 20p coin into one of the primary grooves of the tyre. The outer ring of the coin should not be visible, if it can be seen then it is likely the tyres are worn and unsafe as the tread should be a bare minimum of 1.6mm.

At the very least, be sure you have a spare tyre on board in case of a puncture.

5. Windscreen

Having full visibility can prevent any potential dangers on the road. Motorists can easily check for any wear and tear on their wiper blades by seeing if they are dry, cracked or misshapen. If they are then it is advisable to replace them.

Not only is it important to have fully functioning wiper blades for optimal visibility, but also to ensure the windscreen is free from chips. Frost can seep into a small crack and start to spread across the windscreen. The constant expansion and contraction of the glass in cold weather can render your windscreen unsafe if it is already damaged. Drivers should get any damages checked by a professional in the first instance.

Be sure the windscreen washer fluid is topped up as winter roads and bad weather can fling a lot of dirt on to the screen.

6. Antifreeze

Usually, car warning systems will signal if there is a fault with the engine cooling system. However, however spotting any problems early can help prevent serious issues. When water freezes it expands and this can lead to cracked and broken pipes, which can significantly affect the functioning of the engine.

In order to top up the car’s coolant, motorists can locate the tank by referring to the vehicle manual. It is crucial when topping up your antifreeze that the engine has fully cooled down, as the release of pressurised water can cause serious injury. It's also important to note different types of antifreeze don’t always mix well, so when topping up the tank, motorists should try to use the same type where possible.

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