Preparing your car for the summer holidays

Preparing your car

Preparing your car for the summer holidays

Preparing your car for the summer holidays with Autofit Garage Chorley

The summer holidays are here and families are heading to beaches and picturesque destinations for a much-deserved break.  If you’re planning a family car trip, it’s crucial to properly prepare your car. Before any road trip, thoroughly check your vehicle to avoid preventable issues. Spending time on these vital checks can save your holiday. Ensure your vehicle’s safety and take steps to make your journey comfortable. These include mechanical, packing and loading, comfort and safety, and emergency kit considerations:

1. Mechanical Check-Up

  • Service and MOT: Ensure your car is serviced and has a valid MOT. Address any recommendations from the service.
  • Fluid Levels: Check and top up engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid.
  • Tyres: Check tyre pressure (including the spare) and tread depth. Look for signs of wear or damage.
  • Battery: Ensure the battery is in good condition and fully charged.
  • Brakes: Check brake pads, discs, and fluid levels. Replace if necessary.
  • Lights: Test all lights, including headlights, indicators, brake lights, and fog lights. Replace any faulty bulbs.
  • Radiator and Coolant: Ensure the cooling system is working correctly and coolant levels are adequate. Consider a coolant flush if it hasn’t been done recently.
  • Air Conditioning: Test the air conditioning to ensure it’s working efficiently. Re-gas if necessary.

2. Packing and Loading

  • Luggage: Ensure luggage is securely packed and evenly distributed. Avoid overloading the vehicle.
  • Roof Rack: If using a roof rack or box, check it’s securely fitted and within weight limits.

3. Comfort and Safety

  • Sat Nav and Maps: Update your sat nav and consider having a physical map as a backup.
  • Child Seats: If traveling with children, ensure car seats are correctly fitted and appropriate for their age and size.
  • Entertainment: Prepare entertainment options for passengers, especially children, such as books, tablets, or games.

4. Emergency Kit

  • Essentials: Pack an emergency kit including a first aid kit, warning triangle, high-visibility vest, spare bulbs, jump leads, and a basic tool kit.
  • Breakdown Cover: Ensure you have up-to-date breakdown cover and know the contact details.

Preparing your car with Autofit Garage

Autofit Garage can help you prepare for the summer holidays by ensuring your car is properly serviced and has a current MOT.

To find out more or to book your car in, call Autofit Garage on 01257 267 829 or call in to see us at 46-50 Bengal Street, Chorley PR7 1SA.