Thinking About Taking a Road Trip to London This Fall? Here's How To Get Your Car Ready - Broke in London


Thinking About Taking a Road Trip to London This Fall? Here’s How To Get Your Car Ready

Guest post by Madison Cates

Are you planning on taking a road trip to London this fall? If so, you need to make sure your car is ready for the journey. Road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a bit stressful if your car isn’t in good shape. London is a beautiful place to go on a road trip to or through. The art, history, beautiful scenery, and culture will leave you in awe.

Before you head out for your trip, you want to make sure that your car is prepared for the journey. Everything from checking the oil level to making sure the tires are properly inflated is important to ensure that you’re rigged for the journey.

So whether you’re an experienced road tripper or this is your first time hitting the open road, read on for tips that will help make your road trip as smooth as possible!

Give Your Car A Good Check Up

If you’re planning a road trip to London, the last thing you want is for your car to break down. That’s why it’s important to make sure your car is in good condition before you hit the road. You can get an auto quote to get your tuneup done by a professional, or you can DIY it. Save yourself some money and learn something new! Here’s how to do some basic car maintenance:

Change The Oil

You know that eerie feeling when your car makes a new noise? Or when it seems to be running a little rougher than usual? One of the first things you should do is check your oil level. It’s a quick and easy way to nip any potential problems in the bud – and it only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Make sure your car is parked on level ground, then turn off your engine.
  2. Find the dipstick and remove it.
  3. Clean off the dipstick with a rag or some paper towel.
  4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the opening.
  5. Remove the dipstick again and check the level of oil on the end. If it’s below the minimum line, then you’ll need to add more oil.

Checking your oil level regularly is one of the easiest ways to prolong the life of your car and prevent breakdowns – so don’t forget!

Tire Maintenance

Before you hit the open road on your road trip to London, it’s important to do a quick check of your tires. After all, you’ll be covering a lot of ground, and you want to make sure your car is in good condition before embarking on such a long journey. Here are a few tips for checking your tires:

  • First, take a look at the tread. The tread is the surface rubber that meets the road when you drive. If the tread is worn down, it can cause your car to slip and skid, especially in wet weather.
  • To check the tread, use a penny. Place the penny upside down in the tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then the tread is worn and you should replace the tire
  • Check the air pressure. The ideal pressure will vary depending on your vehicle, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual. Use a tire gauge to see if you need to inflate your tires more.
  • Take a look at the sidewalls for any cracks or bulges. These could be signs of serious damage and mean that you need new tires

By taking a few minutes to check your tires before you hit the road, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Brake Check

Road trips are an exciting way to see the world and take on adventures. There’s nothing like packing up the car and hitting the open road with your friends or family. But before you head out on your next adventure, be sure to check your car brakes for wear.

Regularly checking your brakes is an important part of car maintenance. After all, your brakes are what help you stop on the road! Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking your brakes at home:

  1. Start by removing the wheel covers or hubcaps. This will give you a clear view of the brake caliper.
  2. Next, use a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris from around the brake rotor.
  3. Once the area is clean, press the brake pedal firmly to engage the brake pads. You should hear a slight squealing noise as the pads make contact with the rotor.
  4. If you don’t hear any squealing, or if the noise is excessively loud, it’s time to replace your brake pads.
  5. Finally, re-attach the wheel covers or hubcaps and take your car for a test drive. If you notice any unusual noises or vibrations, be sure to have your brakes checked by a professional.

Once you’ve done these basic checks, you can relax and enjoy the journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or look up YouTube tutorials to learn how to do basic car maintenance to stay out of debt and keep some of your hard earned moolah in your pocket.

A Basic Toolkit Will Be Your Best Friend

Thinking About Taking a Road Trip to London This Fall? Here's How To Get Your Car Ready

Photo by Alessandro La Becca on Unsplash

While the roads in the UK are generally in good condition, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for minor problems. In addition to a spare tire and a jack, your toolkit should include a few basic tools, such as a screwdriver, a wrench, and a pair of pliers.

With these tools, you’ll be able to fix most common problems, such as loose screws and leaking hoses. Of course, you can always call for roadside assistance if you run into serious trouble. But with just a little preparation and foresight, you can avoid costly delays and enjoy a smooth journey to London.

Plan Your Route, Map Your Stops and Mark the Petrol Stations

If you’re planning a road trip to London, the first step is to map out your route. You’ll want to make sure you know where all the rest stops and petrol stations are, so you can plan your journey accordingly. Once you have your route planned, it’s time to start packing! Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey, as well as any other essentials you might need. And if you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget to bring along some games and activities to keep them entertained. With a little planning and preparation, your road trip to London will be a breeze!

Taking a road trip to London is a great way to see the sights and experience all that the city has to offer. But before you hit the road, be sure to do some basic maintenance on your car, such as checking the tires and brakes. You should also pack a toolkit and map out your route in advance. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your road trip is safe and enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your journey today!







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