Driving Checklist

With 2021 looking like another year, or at least for now, of summer staycations, we have compiled a list of items that you will need for any driving. Our Driving Checklist will ensure you are not stuck on the side of the road without items you may need. 

It may be obvious, but we will also mention that it is worthwhile ensuring your vehicle is maintained to the manufacturer standards if you intend on arriving at your location on time and with little to no stress. Always ensure you inspect the following items to ensure that they're in working order, if they are not, ensure you get them seen before you hit the road. 

Vehicle Checklist before setting off on your journey

• Tyres
• Oil
• Screenwash and wipers
• Lights
• Fluid levels
• Satnav
• Battery condition
• Coolant
• Wash vehicle
• Hoses and belts

While it’s not only important to ensure your vehicle is in working condition, you must have emergency contact details in case something happens on your journey. In most cases, your insurance will provide some sort of breakdown recovery service. If your vehicle is new, you may have AA breakdown assists as part of your new car offering. Identify if you have this or ensure you have emergency contact details for friends, family and recovery service. We hope you never need these but it is always worth having to hand. 

Food and water are very important when taking any journey including short journeys. You never know when you might hit traffic, even on short journeys. Having food and drinks to hand will ensure you are always hydrated and fed on your journeys ensuring you always have energy and never become a danger to other drivers. 

When setting off you should always know the route you are taking, if you do not know how to get to your destination you should have a satnav providing directions. Your satnav should be displayed in a secure spot on the vehicle and you should not be fumbling about with a phone while driving looking for your locations. 

On long journeys, we recommend you stop off for a short break every so often. Stopping off will allow you to rest, re-hydrate and get some energy onboard. If you feel any way tired, we recommend you take a short nap and drink a coffee from a local service station. 

Driving Checklist

• Cell phone and charger
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Tire pressure gauge
• Jack (and ground mat) for changing a tire
• Work gloves and a change of clothes
• Basic repair tools and some duct tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak)
• Water and paper towels for cleaning up
• Non-perishable food, drinking water, and medicines
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• Maps
• Emergency blankets, towels and coats

Travelling with Children

If you have children travelling with you, it is vital to ensure they have strapped in accordingly and that any equipment they require is provided, this includes car seats or booster seats. 

It is also worth taking time to ensure the children travelling with you have everything they need for the journey at their fingertips, this includes food and water. This will ensure you don’t have to fool around in the vehicle handling food and drinks for the children. If your children are very young and can’t eat or drink independently, we recommend you bring another adult party with you who can cater to all your children’s needs. 

We hope our driving checklist provides you with the nessacary information. If we have left something out, please let us know.