Have a safe T.R.I.P. this spring
We want you to have a safe T.R.I.P. this spring.
As we shake off winter and head into spring, many of you will be gearing up for road trips, scenic drives and family days out during the Easter holidays – a peak period for travel. But, just like spring cleaning helps refresh our homes, a little car TLC can help avoid unwanted breakdowns.
Spring weather in the UK can be full of surprises, with anything from warm afternoons to heavy rain showers, and even the occasional late frost or snow. April is also the month most associated with sudden downpours, and heavy rain that can create particularly challenging conditions to drive in.
This variability makes preparation more important than ever. Completing the simple T.R.I.P. safety checks before setting off can help ensure a safe, smooth journey.
Drivers have many things to do before setting off on a long journey, packing snacks, loading up tablets or getting the family ready to get into the car. However, while taking extra time for car checks may feel frustrating, it can help prevent breakdowns which could lead to hours of delays waiting for help, unexpected costs, unnecessary stress and a disrupted journey.
T.R.I.P. Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare
T
Top-up
fuel, oil, screen-wash
Top-up
Fill up fuel or check your battery level and check your oil and screen-wash
A third (33%) of breakdowns are caused by vehicles losing power, having engine issues or running out of fuel. Most of these problems can be avoided if you check and top up your vehicle's fluid levels.
Running out of fuel is serious and can leave you in a risky situation, especially when the temperature drops.
For petrol or diesel vehicles – make sure you fill up your tank and always keep it at least one quarter full to avoid running out of fuel.
For electric vehicles – make sure your battery is fully charged and plan your journey to include stops with en-route chargers. Try to keep your battery level above 20% at all times.
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
In 2024, there were more than 53,000 tyre relate breakdowns on the UK’s major A roads and motorways.
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.
Before setting off, 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. Driving with low-tread tyres also makes your braking distance longer, especially in wet conditions.
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
Check the weather forecast for your route and destination and ensure you are prepared for severe weather.
More than a third (34%) of drivers who have been involved in a collision or near-miss on a major road or motorway say weather played a role.
Foggy mornings and low-level sunlight at dawn and dusk can make driving challenging. Use your visor in low sun and always keep a pair of sunglasses in the car to help with glare.
If unpredictable weather like heavy downpours, strong winds or fog are expected, consider delaying your journey until it clears.
Check your route in advance of setting off to see if there are any incidents or roadworks that you should be aware of.
