7 Road Trip Mistakes to Avoid Before a Long Drive

Holiday road trips often start in a rush: suitcases packed the night before, the boot filled at the last minute and an alarm set for the crack of dawn. Yet a few quick checks and a little organisation are all it takes to make the journey safer and far more relaxed. Here are the seven mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: setting off without checking your tyre pressures

This is the most common oversight, and one of the most important. Under-inflated tyres push up fuel consumption, wear out faster and make the car less stable, especially when it is fully loaded.

• Find the recommended pressures on the sticker inside the driver's door frame, inside the fuel flap or in your owner's manual.
• Use the 'full load' figure if the car is packed.
• Check your tyres cold, before driving or after less than 2 miles (3 km).

A portable tyre inflator lets you do this at home the night before, then top up at a service station if needed. Set the pressure you want and it stops on its own.

Mistake 2: throwing everything into the boot

A boot packed with no method guarantees you will be hunting for the first aid kit under three suitcases. Put the heaviest bags at the bottom, flat against the back of the rear seats, with lighter ones on top. Keep anything you might need on the way within easy reach: first aid kit, warning triangle and hi-vis vests (the last two are compulsory if you drive in France), plus water and snacks. A foldable car boot organiser keeps these essentials handy and stops small items sliding around at every bend.

Mistake 3: leaving loose items in the cabin

A bottle, a tablet or a bag left on the parcel shelf can turn into a projectile under hard braking. Everything inside the cabin should be stowed away or secured. As for the parcel shelf itself, keep it clear so you have a good view out of the rear window.

Mistake 4: forgetting to keep back seat passengers busy

A long drive with bored kids means a less focused driver. Pack a bag for each child with books, games, snacks and a water bottle. A back seat car organiser with a tablet holder keeps everything within their reach, with nothing rolling around on the seat. Download films and playlists before you leave, as mobile signal is not always reliable on the road.

Mistake 5: fiddling with your phone while driving

Typing in a destination or changing playlists while driving is one of the riskiest distractions there is. Enter your route before you set off, put your phone in a clearly visible holder and leave the music to a passenger. Think about charging too: a fast car charger means you will not arrive with a dead phone just as you are trying to find your holiday rental.

Mistake 6: underestimating the heat

In summer, a car parked in the sun heats up very quickly. Never leave a child or a pet alone in the car, even for a few minutes. When you stop for a break, park in the shade where you can and put a sun shade behind the windscreen. Bring enough water for everyone and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Mistake 7: trying to do it all in one go

Tiredness is a real danger on long holiday drives. The rule to remember: take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours to walk, stretch and have a drink. If two of you can drive, take turns. Where possible, avoid the busiest travel days too, and set off well rested rather than at dawn after a short night.

Your night-before checklist

• Tyre pressures checked, including the spare
• Fluid levels checked: oil, coolant and screenwash
• Hi-vis vests, warning triangle and first aid kit within reach
• Boot organised, with heavy items at the bottom
• Kids' bags packed and tablets charged
• Route and rest stops planned

With these simple habits, you can hit the road with peace of mind. Safe travels and enjoy your holiday!