- Top 10 Christmas driving tips revealed
- Covers everything from pre-planning to keeping your cool
- More than 30 million trips will be made over festive period
- Drivers could cover an average of 450 miles
- Make sure you're prepped and ready
These Top 10 Christmas driving tips could help you avoid Yuletide misery behind the wheel.
The festive period is fast approaching and countless UK motorists will be preparing for long journeys to visit loved ones.
Last year the RAC suggested around 30 million trips are made, on average, by UK drivers over the festive period, with each motorist covering an average of 450 miles.
But is your four-wheeled sleigh prepped for the task, or do you risk a motoring nightmare before Christmas?
Read our handy Xmas Checklist and cruise into Chrimbo:
1. Check tyres and pressures:
Tyres should be inflated to the correct PSI (including your spare tyre) and make sure the thread is within the legal safety limit (minimum 1.6mm) across the whole of the thread surface. If you have a tyre repair kit, make sure it works.
2. Top Up:
Petrol or diesel engine? Make sure that you check the oil and coolant levels and don’t forget the windscreen washer fluid. And remember that optimum coolant levels also help your car heater work properly.
3. See and be seen
Check that all lights - including indicators, brake and fog lights - are working correctly and ensure your windscreen is streak-free before you set off on a journey. Adjust your mirrors, particularly if you’ve got passengers/cargo obstructing your view out the back.
4. Fuel up
Brim the tank prior to a big trip or make sure your EV is fully-charged. Be mindful that a full load in the car - as well as using headlights, heating, wipers and entertainment systems - will mean that an EV’s range will fall slightly. Factor this into your journey time.
5. Plan your journey and set your sat nav
Plot your route in advance and check for any roadworks or diversions via the National Highways website, particularly if you’re setting off later in the evening when most planned works are scheduled. Keep an eye on the weather. Know your pit stops. And keep your sat nav on, even if you know where you’re going, as it’ll warn you about congestion ahead.
6. Don’t stress
Leave in plenty of time to avoid rush-related stress and share your intended route, and your ETA, with loved ones so they can help out with travel updates.
7. Get tech ready
Sort your play list before you start the car and make sure phones, tablets, and other gadgets are charged to keep passengers content. Don’t forget the charging cables.
8. Think safety first:
If you break down, pull over safely (find an emergency refuge area if you’re on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder), put on your hazard lights, get out of the vehicle and call for assistance. If you have a high visibility vest and reflective safety triangle, make sure they’re not buried in a fully-loaded boot.
9. Winter sun
The sun sits lower on the horizon at this time of year and can cause significant glare on the roads, particularly after rain. Keep your sunglasses handy. Reduce your speed if you need to. Read our guide to road glare.
10. Be mindful
‘Tis the season where tempers can fray. Keep a cool head. Remember that not everyone will be as well prepared or alert as you. Watch your speed, particularly on roads you might not be familiar with. Don’t drive tired. Remember that some cold and flu medications can cause drowsiness. And the safest and best advice is to avoid alcohol completely if you have to drive. Read our guide to beating road rage.
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