Are you planning a road trip?
Before you hit the open road, it’s a good idea to give your car a quick check to make sure everything is in working order.
One motoring mantra that’s good to go by is FLOWERS.
This stands for Fuel, Lights, Oil, Wipers, Electrics, Rubber and Self.
Here’s a quick overview of what the FLOWERS checklist involves:
- Fuel – make sure you have enough fuel for your journey and research the best places to refuel (or recharge if you’re driving an EV) along the way.
- Lights - check that all the lights are in good working order. Don’t forget to include your brake lights and indicators.
- Oil – check your oil level as well as the various other liquids your car needs (screen wash, coolant, brake fluid and so on) to make sure they’re all topped up.
- Wipers – inspect your windscreen wipers. Check the blades haven’t perished or frayed. If the wipers smear when you use them, they need to be replaced.
- Electrics – check that all the car electrics are working as they should, and don’t be tempted to ignore any dashboard warning lights.
- Rubber - check your tyre pressure (spare included) according to the handbook recommendations and inspect each tyre for wear. Look out for things like cuts in the tread or sidewalls, bulges in the sidewalls, and stones or foreign objects trapped in the tread grooves (which should be removed before you set off).
- Self – how are you feeling? Have you had enough sleep? Are you confident that there isn’t any alcohol in your system (perhaps from the night before)? It’s important to check that you’re in good condition to drive, as well as your car.
If you’re heading somewhere new or travelling at a peak time of year, then it’s a good idea to research your route in advance.
Plan in plenty of rest and refuelling or recharging stops along the way, and keep a flask with either cold water or a hot drink in the car with you, depending on the temperature outside.
If you’re travelling with young children, it may be an idea to think about in-car entertainment. You can stick to tried-and-tested favourites, like I-Spy, or go more modern and download movies or TV shows onto a tablet. That way, you can concentrate on the driving.
For more hints and tips, check out Churchill's Online Motor Magazine.
