With life slowly getting back to normal, a lot of people are thinking about traveling, whether it is across country to visit friends or relatives or to a different country for a vacation. Cars and other vehicles may have been left standing for a long time, and you really should make sure that they are roadworthy before you jump behind the steering wheel and take it for a long spin.
Making sure that your vehicle is of a road safety standard
It is easy just to get in your car and go. However, it is responsible for making sure that it complies with road safety standards and that it is fit to drive, even if you are only going a short distance.
When planning to make a journey, whether it is for work purposes or leisure, it is important to check your windscreen wipers and washer levels, engine oil levels, you have working lights, engine coolant levels, plenty of tire tread, and that you have plenty of fuel. You will also have to check that your tire pressures are correct. Most garages have a tire pressure gauge, so this can be easily done when you top up your fuel tank.
Also, it is a good idea to check that your paperwork for your car service and MOT are up to date and that you have any other documents which may be requested when driving through different states.
Ensure that you have enough of the correct currency
Regardless of where you are traveling, ensure that you have enough of the currency to get you by and a financial backup plan which will support you should you need it, like extra insurance.
Unfortunately, things do go wrong. You may find that entertainment, food, or drinks cost more than you have planned, or you could lose luggage, or even worse, you or a member of your party have an overnight stay in a hospital environment, which could cost you money. This can give a lot of stress, especially if money is already tight. Having a plan could alleviate the tension just a little bit.
Plan your route
make sure to plan your route and to have backup plans should roads be closed or there be heavy congestion. Having a satnav is a must, and most people have access to Google maps or similar via their cellphone even if they do not have an actual satnav.
When planning your route, make sure to equip yourself for emergencies, and have extra food and drinks for everyone should your journey take longer than expected. Also, plan in plenty of stops so everyone can walk around and have some fresh air. For safety reasons, driving tired really is a big no-no.
If you are traveling with children, having some kind of entertainment or provision of games is a must to keep them occupied. There is nothing more frustrating or distracting than having bored children in the car on a long hot journey.
A few final thoughts
So when planning a journey, regardless of how far you are thinking of going, make sure that your vehicle is totally roadworthy for your and your passenger's safety and also for the safety of other road users.
Be prepared and have plans in place for financial support should things go wrong and money runs short. Plan your route carefully and make sure that there are places along your route where you can take a break and have a leg stretch or a rest.
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