Summer motoring: are we there yet? (From Campaign Series)

Summer motoring: are we there yet?

2:03pm Friday 3rd July 2009

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WHAT are your childhood memories of motoring? For many, it's sitting in hot, bad-tempered traffic jams on the way to Blackpool, Southend or Weston-super-Mare.

Things haven't changed much, except now it's you sitting behind the wheel and doing the shouting, while the kids fulfil your former role as troublemakers-in-chief.

Follow our 20-point plan to take the heat out of holiday travel.

PREPARE YOUR CAR

1. Ensure the car is properly serviced in line with the maker's recommendations.

Have it serviced a couple of weeks before you're due to go, just in case they find a major fault that needs fixing.

2. If a service isn't due, make sure you check your car over before setting off.

Pay close attention to the condition of hoses, make sure the coolant level and mixture is correct and ensure that the belts that drive the alternator and power steering are not loose or cracked.

A couple of pounds for some summer coolant or a new rubber belt could save a fortune in breakdown fees.

Many dealers offer free or low-cost summer checks that take minutes to perform and provide welcome reassurance that you won't splutter to a halt halfway to your desitination.

3. Check tyres for pressure, tread (don't forget the spare) and for splits or bulges.

Refer to your handbook, too - it's likely that you'll need to increase tyre pressures if you're carrying a full load.

4. Don't be caught out - carry spare bulbs and a selction of fuses.

It is extremely annoying being stranded for want of the tiny fuse needed to keep the radiator fan or headlights working.

5. Fill up with petrol, check the oil level and make sure the screen wash tank is full to cope with all the dust and dirt you'll encounter on a long journey.

You'll get through screen wash at a prodigious rate in summer conditions, so it might be worth carrying a spare bottle.

Read instructions carefully to see whether it can be used neat or needs to be diluted.

PREPARE THE DRIVER

6. Driving overnight? Be sure you've had sufficient rest.

Working all day and trying to drive all night is a recipe for disaster.

7. Travelling a long way? Make sure there's more than one driver.

Change at least every three hours, two during the night. Don't try to be a hero and do it all yourself.

8. Stop for refreshments and comfort breaks. Don't eat or drink at the wheel, but sucking some sugary sweets can give a temporary energy boost.

9. Be sure to have some help with navigation unless you know exactly where you're going, and plan your route in advance.

10. Don't scoff a large meal before setting off, as this can make you drowsy. And it goes without saying - don't drink alcohol!

PREPARE THE ROUTE

11. Don't put pressure on yourself, allow lots more time than you think you'll need.

The last thing you want is for a minor delay to cause a stressful and dangerous race against the clock.

12. If you are aware of any traffic blackspots along the way, it's useful to have a back-up route prepared.

There are plenty of online route finding services to help and give you a realistic idea of your arrival time.

13. Travel outside busy periods if possible. Sometimes you can make better time if you can travel during the week or very early in the morning.

14. The radio is handy for warning about hold-ups. National bulletins are sometimes useful but often an obstruction will have cleared by the time it makes it onto the airwaves.

An RDS-equipped radio can be set to pick up traffic reports from local radio, so learn how to turn it on by consulting your in-car entertainment manual.

15. Start your holiday early, stop off and visit some towns on the way there and back with an overnight stop en-route.

Who knows, you might even find somewhere you want to return to next year.

PREPARE YOUR PASSENGERS

16. Talk about the journey before you set off. You know you're all going to be in the car for a long time, so agree not to argue (or to try not to argue) and keep a sense of humour.

17. Take music to listen to. Let everyone have their own choice of music or radio station for an allotted time.

18. Prepare games or amusements for children. I-spy is an old favourite or spot different kinds of car ('Next one to see a Smart gets a Smartie').

Use your imagination, remember arguing is part of the game, but don't distract the driver.

Hand-held computer games are good (if they have headphones attached), but try card games and books, too.

19. Travel sickness can be a problem. Symptoms can be eased by keeping the car cool and well ventilated, driving steadily and keeping the sufferer distracted. Sitting in the front helps sometimes. Avoid too much food and fizzy drink.

20. If you are taking a pet with you don't forget they have special needs. Make sure they are comfortable, not too hot, sensibly restrained and that they get an opportunity for a drink and to 'stretch their legs' along with the rest of the family.

TOP TIP If your car overheats, steam will rise up from under the bonnet.

Pull in to the side and switch off the engine.

Give the engine plenty of time (at least 15 minutes) before touching it - otherwise you risk burns or scalds.

Don't pour cold water on it - you could crack the engine block.

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