It's July. The car is packed to the roof, the kids are in the back, the air conditioning is blasting away, and everyone's already dreaming of the beach. There's just one small detail: you've still got 400 km to drive in the heat, with a boot full of luggage. Every summer, I see cars stranded on the hard shoulder on the way to the seaside. And do you know what I always think? Half these people could already be lying on the beach if they'd spent a little time checking their car the week before.
Pre-road trip car checklist: what are the 10 things we check?
- Engine oil. We check the level and when it was last changed. In hot weather, with a fully loaded car and the air conditioning running, your engine has to work harder. Don't set off unless you're sure the oil is in good condition.
- Coolant. We check the level when the engine is cold and look for leaks. The last thing you want on the motorway is to see that temperature gauge climbing.
- Brakes and brake fluid. We make sure everything is working properly because a fully loaded car puts more strain on the brakes. In my article about brake fluid I've explained why we change it every 2 years.
- Tyres. We check the tread, look for cracks and measure the pressures. Here's something a lot of people forget: when your car is fully loaded, the tyre pressures need to be different. You'll find the correct figures on the sticker on the door or inside the fuel filler flap.
- Spare tyre or puncture repair kit. Make sure everything is where it should be. If you've got a repair kit, check its expiry date. I don't want you discovering it's expired when you're standing on the hard shoulder with a flat tyre.
- Air conditioning. If it isn't blowing cold air, find out why before you leave. Don't wait until you're stuck at Petolachkata with a car full of people and the sun beating down outside.
- Wipers and washer fluid. We check that the wipers clear the windscreen properly and that there's enough washer fluid. Summer screenwash removes squashed insects much more easily. And believe me, you'll collect plenty of those on the motorway.
- Lights. Dipped beams, main beams, brake lights and indicators. Everything needs to work as it should. It only takes a few minutes to check, and it's important.
- Battery. I know you probably associate battery problems with winter. But here's the thing: heat can be just as hard on a battery as cold weather. That's why we check it before your summer holiday too.
- Compulsory safety equipment and documents. First aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest, fire extinguisher and motorway vignette. Check them now, not after you've already set off.
How should you pack your car for a seaside holiday?
It's not just about how much luggage you're taking. Where you put it matters too. When the car is fully loaded, weight distribution makes a difference. A big one.
- Put heavy items low down in the boot, as close to the rear seats as possible.
- Don't put heavy objects on the rear parcel shelf. If you brake suddenly, they can fly forwards like missiles.
- If you're fitting a roof box, check the permitted roof load. I've explained this in more detail in my article about roof boxes and roof loads.
Remember, a fully loaded car takes longer to stop, and you'll feel that extra weight in the corners. Take it easy, especially on the downhill stretches towards the coast. Saving a few minutes simply isn't worth the risk.
What should you watch out for during the journey?
- Stop every two hours. You and the kids both need a break. And while you're stopped, the car gets a rest too.
- If you notice the engine temperature starting to rise, slow down, switch off the air conditioning for a while and pull over somewhere shady. If the temperature keeps climbing, don't carry on driving.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car in the sun. Not even for a minute. No exceptions.
A tip from Kris Mladenov: Get your car checked about a week before your seaside holiday. Half an hour at the workshop could save you half a day stranded on the hard shoulder and a ruined holiday. I'm telling you this because I care. I'd much rather we caught a problem early than have your car let you down halfway along the motorway.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday by the sea and a safe, relaxing journey. Just give your car a little attention before you leave. And if you've found this article helpful, send it to the friends you're travelling with. You might save them a lot of headaches too.
What you'll find in our shop
Genuine Audi first aid kit. Check its expiry date before you set off.
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Audi high-visibility vest for adults
Audi high-visibility vest. Keep it inside the car, not buried under all the suitcases in the boot.
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Audi folding warning triangle. Make sure it's still in the car.
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Genuine Audi summer screenwash, 3 litres
Genuine Audi summer screenwash. For all those little insects that are going to end up stuck to your windscreen on a long journey.
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Audi 100 W USB charger. For everyone's phones and tablets in the car.
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- Routine servicing at Das Auto Service
- Air conditioning servicing
- DOES HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT REALLY MATTER?
- VAG brake fluid – does it need changing, and when?!
- Roof boxes: how much weight can I carry?
- Why does my VAG's air conditioning need servicing, not just regassing?
- Hot weather and your car: battery, tyres and air conditioning
Frequently asked questions
What should I check on my car before a long journey?
Start with the engine oil, coolant, brakes and tyres. Then check the spare tyre or puncture repair kit, air conditioning, wipers, lights and battery. Don't forget the compulsory safety equipment either. These are the 10 things we check before a long journey at Das Auto Service.
Should I adjust my tyre pressures when the car is fully loaded?
Yes, my friend. When your car is packed to the roof, the tyre pressures need to be different. Check the sticker on the door or inside the fuel filler flap. It tells you exactly what pressures to use when the car is fully loaded.
What should I do if my engine starts overheating on the motorway?
Slow down, switch off the air conditioning for a while and pull over somewhere shady. Keep an eye on the temperature. If it keeps rising, don't set off again. Trust me, your engine isn't worth that risk.