Motorway driving places sustained demands on your vehicle that differ significantly from everyday urban use. High speeds, extended periods of continuous operation, and the consequence of a breakdown in a live lane make pre-journey preparation particularly important. At Brookes Auto Repair, we recommend a series of checks before any long journey — many of which you can carry out yourself.
Tyres: The Most Important Check
Check tyre pressure before a long journey — under-inflated tyres generate excess heat at sustained motorway speeds, increasing the risk of a blowout. Check tread depth at the same time. If any tyre is close to the legal minimum of 1.6mm, replace it before the journey rather than risk a failure on the motorway.
Engine Oil and Coolant
Check your engine oil level using the dipstick and top up if needed. Low oil on a long journey accelerates engine wear. Check your coolant level in the expansion tank — sustained high-speed running generates more heat than urban driving, and an overheating engine on the motorway is a serious situation. Top up with the correct coolant type for your vehicle.
Lights and Visibility
Walk around your vehicle and check that all lights are functioning — front and rear. Ensure your windscreen is clean inside and out, as a dirty screen dramatically increases glare in low sun conditions that are common during early morning and late afternoon motorway driving.
Fuel
Plan your fuel stops in advance rather than running low and being forced to stop at an inconvenient location. On motorways, service stations can be widely spaced, and running out of fuel on a motorway is both illegal and dangerous.
Breakdown Cover
Ensure your breakdown cover is active and that you have the provider’s contact number saved in your phone before departure. If the worst happens, knowing exactly who to call saves precious time.
For a pre-journey vehicle check, contact Brookes Auto Repair at brookesautorepair.com.
