July 11, 2025

Summer Road Trip Checklist 2025 – Is Your Car Road Ready?

There's nothing better than a summer road trip. Whether you're heading to the coast or countryside or going abroad, a smooth journey starts with a safe and well-prepared vehicle.

Before loading the car and setting off, take a few minutes to review this simple checklist. It could save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

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1. Essential Car Checks Before You Go

Make sure your car is in good shape before hitting the road:

Tyres

Check tyre pressure and tread depth. Look for signs of wear, like cracks or bulges. Your tyres are the only thing between you and the road; don't take them for granted!

👉 Check how to inspect your tyres on TyreSafe.

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Oil and Fluids

Check your engine oil, coolant, and wind screen wash levels. These simple steps help prevent bigger problems down the road.

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Battery

If your car hasn't been used in a while, check the battery to make sure it's fully charged and in good condition. A quick check now can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns. If you're in doubt, pop into a local garage; many offer free battery checks.

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Brakes and Lights

Brakes that stop and lights that shine—two things that need to work.

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Wipers and Windscreen

Give your windscreen a good clean and check for cracks. If your wipers are smearing more than clearing, it's time for new ones. You want to see the scenery, not squint through streaks.

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2. Don't Forget Your Documents

Nobody likes paperwork, but these are important if you get stopped or have an emergency:

Driving licence
Insurance certificate
MOT (if your car is over 3 years old) - Check MOT status here
Vehicle tax - Check vehicle tax here
Breakdown cover details

Travelling abroad? You may also need:

A green card (if required).
Your V5C logbook.
International driving permit (for some countries).

👉 See the full list of driving abroad requirements on GOV.UK

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3. Pack for Safety and Comfort

It's not just about your car – it's about you and your passengers, too. Don't forget these:

Spare tyre or puncture repair kit.
Warning triangle and hi-vis jacket.
Torch with extra batteries.
Mobile phone charger.
Sat nav or road map (Feeling old-school? There's no shame in loving a good paper map!).
First aid kit.
Water, snacks, sunglasses, and sun cream.

And a playlist the whole car can agree on, no pressure.

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4. Plan for the Unexpected

Even the best-prepared drivers can encounter a few bumps along the way. Be smart:

Check the weather - UK weather forecast from the Met Office.
Check live traffic - Traffic England live updates.
Plan your route and have a backup plan, just in case.
Let someone know where you're going and when to expect you.
Save important phone numbers in your mobile, including those of your insurer and breakdown provider.

And if you're still using that dodgy old phone charger that only works when you wiggle it, it's time for an upgrade.

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5. Going Abroad? Check Your Insurance Documents

Planning to take your road trip into Europe? Great idea –but make sure your car insurance goes with you.

Before you pack the boot, double-check your insurance documents to make sure you're covered outside the UK. Here's what to look for:

European cover – Not all UK policies automatically include it. Some only offer third-party cover abroad, even if you have fully comprehensive cover in the UK.
Number of days – Some policies limit how many days you can drive in Europe. Make sure your trip fits within that limit.
Countries included – Check which countries you are covered in. Some may be excluded or require extra steps.
Green Card – Most UK drivers no longer need one for EU travel, but it's still worth checking, especially if you're going beyond the EU or through countries with different rules.

💡 Top Tip: If you're unsure, speak to your insurer or check the latest rules for driving abroad on GOV.UK.

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6. Is Your Insurance Ready Too?

You've checked your oil, but what about your insurance?

Make sure your policy covers:

Long trips or higher mileage.
Driving abroad (if you're heading overseas).
Additional drivers.

At Got You Covered, we specialise in insurance for drivers who don't always tick the "perfect" box:

Previous claims or convictions?
Low no-claims bonus?
Specialist or non-standard vehicle?

We've got your back.

Get a quote today or speak to our expert team – so you can travel with confidence this summer.

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