Your Road Trip’s Not a Netflix Series — You Can’t Just “Skip Intro”

Alex Stamp
Aug 11
3 min read

You wouldn’t jet off for two weeks in Spain without checking your passport, packing your toothbrush, and making sure the kids aren’t still in their pyjamas.So why do so many people treat their car like it’s just going to magically be fine for 500 miles?

Think of your car as your travel buddy. If they’re feeling rough before you set off, you’re not getting far before the complaints start. And with cars, those “complaints” sound a lot like a breakdown on the M6 with melted ice cream in the boot.

This is your UK holiday-drive checklist — part road trip pep talk, part “don’t get fined” cheat sheet.

Step 1: The Pre-Trip MOT (Even If It’s Not Due)

Not the official one — more like a holiday health check.Do these the week before you go:

Oil & Coolant – Top them up. Your handbook tells you what to use.
Brake Fluid – Low fluid = potential brake trouble.
Tyre Tread – UK legal minimum is 1.6mm, but 3mm is safer for long wet motorway stretches. Do the 20p test.
Tyre Pressure – Underinflated tyres waste fuel and risk blowouts. Overinflated tyres lose grip.
Lights & Wipers – All working, no streaks. You’ll thank yourself when it’s raining at 2am.

Step 2: Know the Rules Before You Roll

The UK isn’t wild-west driving — there are some very specific laws and requirements that can ruin your holiday before it starts.

Insurance – Minimum is third-party cover, but comprehensive is smarter for long trips. If you’re sharing driving, make sure both names are on the policy.
Driving Licence – Full licence is a given, but also check for any points or restrictions.
Driver Age – In the UK, 17 is the legal driving age, but some hire/borrowed car policies require you to be 21+ or even 25+.
MOT – Your car must have a valid MOT certificate if it’s over 3 years old. No MOT = instant fine, points, and possibly your car seized.
Road Tax (VED) – Check it’s up to date. Police ANPR cameras will know if it’s not.

Step 3: Pack Smart, Drive Safer

Don’t Overload – Too much in the boot makes your brakes and suspension work overtime.
Visibility Matters – Keep the rear view clear. That giant inflatable flamingo? Strap it to the roof, not blocking your mirror.
Safety Kit – Torch, high-vis jacket, warning triangle, first aid kit, spare bulbs.
Kids & Car Seats – In the UK, children must use a child seat until they’re 12 years old or 135cm tall — whichever comes first.

Step 4: Mind the Seasons

Summer – Tyre pressures can increase with heat. For every 10°C rise, they go up about 0.1 bar. Also, take extra water for passengers and engine top-ups.
Winter – Battery life suffers, stopping distances triple on ice. Check antifreeze, carry de-icer, and consider winter tyres.
Rain (aka 80% of UK driving) – Slow down, keep distance, and remember — aquaplaning isn’t just a racing term.

Step 5: Your “What If” Plan

Breakdown Cover – Make sure it’s valid for the whole trip area.
Spare Tyre or Repair Kit – Know where it is and how to use it.
Chargers – Phone, sat nav, dashcam.
Snacks – Because even a 15-minute delay feels better with crisps.

Step 6: Play Nice on the Road

Take breaks every 2 hours — driver fatigue causes 20% of UK motorway accidents.
Swap drivers if you can.
Avoid “white line fever” — if your brain’s gone on autopilot, pull over for a coffee.

Bottom line: a little prep now means your holiday starts the second you pull off the drive — not when the AA finally finds you.Safe travels, and remember: treat your car like part of the crew, not just the luggage.

Your Road Trip’s Not a Netflix Series — You Can’t Just “Skip Intro”

You wouldn’t jet off for two weeks in Spain without checking your passport, packing your toothbrush, and making sure the kids aren’t still in their pyjamas.So why do so many people treat their car like it’s just going to magically be fine for 500 miles?

Think of your car as your travel buddy. If they’re feeling rough before you set off, you’re not getting far before the complaints start. And with cars, those “complaints” sound a lot like a breakdown on the M6 with melted ice cream in the boot.

This is your UK holiday-drive checklist — part road trip pep talk, part “don’t get fined” cheat sheet.

Step 1: The Pre-Trip MOT (Even If It’s Not Due)

Not the official one — more like a holiday health check.Do these the week before you go:

Oil & Coolant – Top them up. Your handbook tells you what to use.

Brake Fluid – Low fluid = potential brake trouble.

Tyre Tread – UK legal minimum is 1.6mm, but 3mm is safer for long wet motorway stretches. Do the 20p test.

Tyre Pressure – Underinflated tyres waste fuel and risk blowouts. Overinflated tyres lose grip.

Lights & Wipers – All working, no streaks. You’ll thank yourself when it’s raining at 2am.

Step 2: Know the Rules Before You Roll

The UK isn’t wild-west driving — there are some very specific laws and requirements that can ruin your holiday before it starts.

Insurance – Minimum is third-party cover, but comprehensive is smarter for long trips. If you’re sharing driving, make sure both names are on the policy.

Driving Licence – Full licence is a given, but also check for any points or restrictions.

Driver Age – In the UK, 17 is the legal driving age, but some hire/borrowed car policies require you to be 21+ or even 25+.

MOT – Your car must have a valid MOT certificate if it’s over 3 years old. No MOT = instant fine, points, and possibly your car seized.

Road Tax (VED) – Check it’s up to date. Police ANPR cameras will know if it’s not.

Step 3: Pack Smart, Drive Safer

Don’t Overload – Too much in the boot makes your brakes and suspension work overtime.

Visibility Matters – Keep the rear view clear. That giant inflatable flamingo? Strap it to the roof, not blocking your mirror.

Safety Kit – Torch, high-vis jacket, warning triangle, first aid kit, spare bulbs.

Kids & Car Seats – In the UK, children must use a child seat until they’re 12 years old or 135cm tall — whichever comes first.

Step 4: Mind the Seasons

Summer – Tyre pressures can increase with heat. For every 10°C rise, they go up about 0.1 bar. Also, take extra water for passengers and engine top-ups.

Winter – Battery life suffers, stopping distances triple on ice. Check antifreeze, carry de-icer, and consider winter tyres.

Rain (aka 80% of UK driving) – Slow down, keep distance, and remember — aquaplaning isn’t just a racing term.

Step 5: Your “What If” Plan

Breakdown Cover – Make sure it’s valid for the whole trip area.

Spare Tyre or Repair Kit – Know where it is and how to use it.

Chargers – Phone, sat nav, dashcam.

Snacks – Because even a 15-minute delay feels better with crisps.

Step 6: Play Nice on the Road

Take breaks every 2 hours — driver fatigue causes 20% of UK motorway accidents.

Swap drivers if you can.

Avoid “white line fever” — if your brain’s gone on autopilot, pull over for a coffee.

Bottom line: a little prep now means your holiday starts the second you pull off the drive — not when the AA finally finds you.Safe travels, and remember: treat your car like part of the crew, not just the luggage.

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