Have a safe T.R.I.P. this spring
Have a safe T.R.I.P. this spring
As the days get longer and the weather starts to improve, many families will be planning longer journeys. But with the number of breakdowns on motorways and major A roads continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever to carry out your Safe T.R.I.P. Checks before setting off.
Learn your safe T.R.I.P. checks.
More than half (53%) of UK driving licence holders have broken down on a major road, yet 17% say they don’t usually carry out basic vehicle safety checks before long journeys.*
On average, drivers who have broken down on a major road say they were delayed by more than two hours, with 24% arriving late for plans; 20% left stranded; and 18% having to cancel their plans altogether.
Breakdowns can also bring unexpected costs. For example:
- 25% required towing, costing £257 on average
- 22% needed tyre repairs or replacements, costing £231 on average
- 10% needed a courtesy car or replacement vehicle, typically costing £434
Pre-journey vehicle checks can help avoid these disruptions. In fact, 29% of drivers who experienced a breakdown on a major road, think it could have been prevented if they had completed them before leaving.
Before you travel, plan your route, check the weather forecast, and keep an eye on traffic updates or delays. Spring weather conditions can still be unpredictable, with rain, snow and ice all possible. Taking a few minutes to prepare before you set off can help prevent breakdowns, reduce disruption and keep everyone moving safely this spring.
*based on a survey of 3,271 UK driving licence holders aged 18+ in February 2026.
Your chance to win up to £50 vouchers with our new T.R.I.P. game
We’ve also created a new T.R.I.P. Fill Your Boots online game to show you the simple T.R.I.P. safety checks you should be doing before setting off. To celebrate this, we’ve partnered with Halfords to give one lucky winner each month the chance to win up to £50 in Halfords vouchers, redeemable online or in-store until 9th May 2027. By playing the game, you’ll be automatically entered into our monthly prize draw for the next 12 months.
Play the Game & Enter NowT.R.I.P. Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare
T
Top-up
fuel, oil, screen-wash
Top-up
Fill up fuel, check your oil and screen-wash, and ensure you're charged.
Before you set off:
- ensure you have enough fuel for your journey and plan stops where you can refuel if needed
- if you have an EV, make sure your battery is sufficiently charged and plan your journey to include stops where you can charge your vehicle en-route
- check your oil level: use the dipstick to check and top up if required
- check your screen wash is topped up so you can clear any debris or dirt off your windscreen and ensure you have good visibility
R
Rest
every 2 hours
Rest
Plan to take a break every 2 hours
Stopping to have a rest while driving is not only important for your safety but also contributes to a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.
Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before you travel. Plan your journey and factor in rest stops with a minimum break of at least 15 minutes every two hours to help you stay alert.
What are the risks of not taking regular breaks?
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Your ability to detect threats decreases, and your reaction time increases.
- Negative effects on your mood and behaviour behind the wheel.
I
Inspect
tyres
Inspect
your tyre tread and pressure
Over the last year alone, the number of breakdowns recorded has increased by 7%, to 303,213 in 2025.
Many breakdowns are avoidable - simple vehicle checks can help you have a safer journey while saving you time and money.
Before you leave, allow time to check your tyre treads - and get them replaced if there is less than 1.6mm of tread (the legal minimum). If you're stopped by the police and your tyre treads are less than 1.6mm you could face a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre.
You should also check your tyres’ pressure. If they're over - or under-inflated - even by as little as 10% - it can affect your car's performance, making it more dangerous when braking and steering.
You may also need to inflate your tyres to a higher pressure if you have more luggage or passengers then normal.
.Learn more about tyre maintenance on our vehicle checks page
P
Prepare
for weather
Prepare
for the weather
The weather can have a big impact on your journey, and during spring, it can be unpredictable. While longer days and milder temperatures may encourage more travel, you can still face heavy rain, flooding, late snow and ice, and rapidly changing road conditions.
More than a third (34%) of drivers involved in collisions or near-misses on major roads say the weather conditions played a part.
Take a moment to check the forecast for your route and destination, so you’re ready for rain, fog or sudden changes in temperature. If heavy rain, snow, ice or storms are expected, consider delaying your journey until conditions improve.
It’s also important to pack essential items, such as sunglasses, water, snacks, a blanket, jump leads, and a fully charged mobile phone. Keep our customer helpline handy too.
