Car Checks before a long journey?

[astonsmummy]

:hello:
Tommorrow i will be driving from crawley (next to gatwick) to gateshead, 320 miles.
What things in my car should i check apart from oil, tyres and water?

Also does anyone know how i could find out how much air my tyres needs?

Thnx in advance x

[C_Ronaldo]

on my car there is a sticker on the drivers door frame saying how much air without any weight and how much air you need if there is weight, windscreen wash, how about wiper blades

[rdwarr]

Remember to check the traffic reports before you leave as well. Sometimes it's faster to do M25 (Dartford)/M11/A1 than M25 (Heathrow)/M1/A1.

[astonsmummy]

Thnx, just collared mums next door naighbour to check oils, break fluid, water etc now just need to find out about the tyres, gonna search google.

[astonsmummy]

Remember to check the traffic reports before you leave as well. Sometimes it's faster to do M25 (Dartford)/M11/A1 than M25 (Heathrow)/M1/A1.
how do i do that? check the traffic?
I'm not worried about the length of time i'd rather do the easier route coz i'm driving alone.

[nej]

Sat-nav? Check.
DVD's for the Kids? Check.

Everything else can be sorted on route... At least I won't get lost and the kids will be occupied.

[astonsmummy]

I dont have sat nav or a DVD player, my son will have to contend with old fashion books and toys lol

[anewman]

Make sure you don't just put water in the coolant reservoir and screen wash! :) Tyre pressures are generally in owner manuals. I have also seen them in a glove box and on the side of the drivers door.

Only way I know of checking traffic reports is ceefax, but I am guessing there is some cool website with all the info on that I don't know about.

Also check tyres for tread depth (there are usually tread depth indicators in tyres and when it has worn to the level where the indentations are flush with the tyre, you need the tyre replacing). Also check for any cuts or bulges etc.

Also just to add do not mix up windscreen wash and coolant. The chemicals look alike, but you don't want to get them mixed up as it will damage the paintwork etc.

[astonsmummy]

Make sure you don't just put water in the coolant reservoir and screen wash! :) Tyre pressures are generally in owner manuals. I have also seen them in a glove box and on the side of the drivers door.

Only way I know of checking traffic reports is ceefax, but I am guessing there is some cool website with all the info on that I don't know about.

Also check tyres for tread depth (there are usually tread depth indicators in tyres and when it has worn to the level where the indentations are flush with the tyre, you need the tyre replacing). Also check for any cuts or bulges etc.
excuse my dumbness but that sentence doesnt make sense to me :o

[nej]

excuse my dumbness but that sentence doesnt make sense to me :o

It means get your OH to do it! :D

[anewman]

excuse my dumbness but that sentence doesnt make sense to me :o

All I mean is if you simply add water the antifreeze solution in the coolant, and screenwash additives will be more dilute and not as effective. You should easily find screen wash and coolant (available concentrated and pre-mixed) in supermarkets, wilkinsons, etc.

[astonsmummy]

It means get your OH to do it! :D
I dont have an OH.

[nej]

I dont have an OH.

Ah, tricky... a neighbour?

:p

[astonsmummy]

i got mums *cough* fit *cough* neighbour to sort it out lol

[Quinny]

And don't forget to get some stotties in Gateshead,for to bring home.

Ken.

[astonsmummy]

And don't forget to get some stotties in Gateshead,for to bring home.

Ken.
stotties :confused:

[ManAtHome]

stotties :confused:
Translation for southern softies - Big flat breadcake... (no, I wasn't calling you a big flat breadcake!).

Traffic info as you should be mostly on motorways http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic/traffic.aspx

[nelly]

Check there isnt a woman at the wheel as this can increase the journey time by up to 13 weeks :)

[Eagle_1]

Might be worth checking you got plenty of petrol :rotfl:

Edit to add : How long are you up this area for ?

[astonsmummy]

Check there isnt a woman at the wheel as this can increase the journey time by up to 13 weeks :)
cheeky swine! I'm a good driver i'll ave you know!:rotfl:

[astonsmummy]

Might be worth checking you got plenty of petrol :rotfl:

Edit to add : How long are you up this area for ?
till sunday or monday, you live near there then?

[southernscouser]

Take some drinks for the journey. Service stations are a bloody rip-off! :eek: