5 top tips for road tripping this Summer

Posted on 25 May, 2023

We’ve been financing family road trips across the UK since 1999, so it’s safe to say we know our stuff. We’ve picked up some great hacks along the way to help make your trip go without a hitch. So, from our family to yours, here are our Top 5 tips:

Getting going

Doing these few simple checks could be the difference between holiday harmony and hard-shoulder hell! Key things to check are:

• Tyre pressures – make sure you’re topped up to the recommended pressure levels.
• Oil levels – give that stick a dip.
• Lights – check all lights are working, don’t forget the rear globes. They have a habit of stopping working without tell us
• Wipers and washer liquid – Make sure you’re topped up to tackle those splattered flies and it does sometimes rain in Summer.
• Engine coolant levels – an overheating engine is directly linked to an overheating human.
• Sat Nav apps - Make sure you’re up to date with the latest version to get real time traffic delay warnings and alternate routes suggestions.

Hydration is key

The longer the trip, the longer the chance of a delay. Dehydration can cause us to feel tired, have headaches and effect our concentration, therefore, being prepared with plenty of water will ensure you and your people arrive at your destination safe, sound and ready to make memories.

Food is fuel

A great way to make sure you are in tip top condition for a long trip is to eat a good and well balanced meal before setting off. This helps with our mood and our concentration levels, both important for driving! Go for a protein rich option and try to avoid carbs, they do give you energy, but they are also digested faster so will leave you hungry again sooner! If you are planning to eat on route, please remember to pull over to a safe place.

Prepping for little ones

Making the journey a comfortable one for all the family is going to mean everyone arrives happier and ready to dive straight into that all important holiday fun. Here are our top tips for a comfortable commute, for kids, pets and teenagers alike:

• Keep the car well ventilated - this will help everyone to stay cool, calm and collected.
• Make sure little ones are secure and fastened in – did you know that baby’s car seats have an expiry date? Always check that seats are within date before starting your trip.
• Packing bags - make sure you have sufficient water, food and something to keep them entertained on the journey.
• If you are taking the fur babies make sure you have the correct seatbelts/pet restraints to keep them safe whilst on the move.

The bits you might forget

We are only human after all, so here’s a reminder about some of the important items you may have forgotten:

• Loose change – you never know when car parks and tolls are not accepting card payments!
• First Aid Kit - Minor bumps, scrapes and insect bites are an inevitable part of all the best family adventures.
• Important documents – Make sure your driving licence, car insurance details, travel insurance documents and number for breakdown services are kept handy… as much as we hope you won’t need them!
• Toiletries - tissues, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, sun cream, lip balm are all lifesavers for spills, sticky fingers and cleaning up.

So that’s it, you’re all ready to go. Happy holidays from all of us at Advantage Finance.

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