As my children are getting older, they are less and less keen on road trips, which makes it so hard to plan and travel. So I decided to write this post by asking them how to make road trips more bearable for them and of course, for us to survive together!
Before any road trip, we always have a habit of getting our car ready. It is always essential to make sure you don’t run into serious problems. Getting roadside help is not always quick or simple. I am always very cautious, especially travelling with children in the car.
These are the items on my checklist before going on a long road trip: water tank, check oil level, tyre pressure, food & drink and insurance.
The water tank is often overlooked as you don’t often need to look under the bonnet. Then just when you need it, you find that the water tank is empty! Top it up! Next, check your oil level as it is essential to lubricate your car’s engine and to ensure it runs optimally.
Before getting into tyre pressures, last month, we had all our tyres changed by Tyres On The Drive who offer free mobile tyre-fitting (with 2 or more tyres) to any suitable location of your choice (covers most of the UK), 7 days a week! It is done by simply booking the appointment online or over the phone and you can have new tyres fitted, or punctures repaired, whenever you want between 8am to 8pm. They also complete a full tyre and brake safety check. Read our review here on how we love their service.
You should check your tyre pressures at least once a month or before your road trip. Having the correct inflation pressure in your car’s tyres not only optimises the performance but also increases your personal safety when driving. This also helps to increase your tyres’ lifespan and decrease your fuel consumption. The recommended tyre pressure levels for front and rear tyres are often different. If unsure, check your car manual or on the side of your driver’s door.
If you think your tyre has less than 1.6 millimetres of tread remaining anywhere around the complete circumference of the tyre, legally you have to change it immediately! It is against the law and you may get fined and have points on your driving licence. Do check out Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres! We have had them for almost five weeks and they feel very smooth throughout the journey and quieter on the road. They are great high-end, quality tyres!
Food and drinks are very handy, especially when you have little ones with you! We always pack snacks and bottle of waters (kept away from sunlight). Empty bottles also have their use!
Last but not least, do remember to keep your insurance details handy! When things happened, you know where to ask for help!
Now to survive a road trip, my children both insisted that they each have their own DVD player with headphones and their very own selection of films. Pack their favourite cuddly soft toys, pillow and a thin blanket for comfort. Also, sunglasses, wet tissues, snacks, drinks and a plastic bag within easy reach. Handheld games as a standby. They used to love drawing but now they have passed that stage. Hence we are not packing stationery.
Keep them informed about the estimate to arrive (ETA) help them to be aware of the situation and by doing a countdown help them be mentally prepared. Toilet breaks will be necessary if the journey is over 4 hours! Give them time to stretch and take a break from the screen.
So these are my children’s terms to survive the road trip! Do yours have any special requests?
Disclosure: We have previously received the samples for the purposes of writing this post, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.