How to prepare for a long car journey

Long journeys can be a little bit boring, and can often set a negative tone for the day. Being prepared and having all bases covered will make the experience much more enjoyable and can feel like a part of your trip rather than the way to get to your trip.

Before you leave, it might be worth getting your car serviced before any long journey to prevent a breakdown. Even a few simple checks will do the trick – oil, water and fuel levels as well as tyre pressure.

Start of the journey the right way – comfortably. Ensuring that your seat and steering wheel are adjusted properly will make the drive much easier. A higher seat can give the illusion that you’re driving slower – lower your seat if you can to make sure you don’t speed. If you can hang your wrists over the top of the steering wheel, your seat is in a good position. Sit up with a straight back and consider popping a pillow behind you to improve your posture.

Wear loose clothing like jogging bottoms and a t-shirt if the drive is especially long. Slip-on but sensible shoes are also worth wearing so you can slip them off when you stop. If you or one of your passengers feel carsick, a gingersnap biscuit can help to make you feel better. If you have children, games like the car number plate game are an easy way to keep them entertained.

Plan snacks and stops in advance. Having a playlist of music ready can make the journey a little more fun – but make sure the music isn’t too loud so that you’re distracted. Make sure to safely set up maps on your SatNav and if you’re using a phone, put it securely in a phone holster. Make it one of your passengers’ job to control the map, as it’ll be unsafe for you to fiddle with. Having a charger in the car will save you a big panic if it starts to run low.

Long drives can get tedious and sometimes tensions can run a little high – if quarrels start, it’s probably time to stop and take a break. Find a service station, stretch your legs and then carry on your journey. If you aren’t in a rush, consider taking a more scenic route to make the drive more interesting. If there are any tourist attractions on the way, you can factor these into your journey. As long as you’re prepared, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy your journey.