For many, summer holidays mean motorways, packing, hot days, and long stretches behind the wheel. That can be a tough test for the car, especially if it hasn't been checked recently.
That's why it's a good idea to review the car before you set off. Not because everything necessarily needs replacing, but because small problems can grow quickly when the car is driving long distances, heavily loaded, and maybe sitting in traffic with the AC running.
In this guide we go through the most important things to watch for before the car goes on a self-drive holiday.
1. Check the tyres before a long drive
Tyres are one of the most important things to check before a longer trip. They need to handle high speed, heavy load, and sudden rain.
Watch especially for:
- Tread depth.
- Uneven wear.
- Cracks in the sidewall.
- Correct tyre pressure.
- Whether the tyres suit the car's load.
In Denmark, a tyre is illegal if the tread depth drops below 1.6 mm. However, motoring organizations recommend at least 3 mm before a self-drive holiday, since the tyres can wear further on the trip, and more tread gives better safety in rain.
2. The brakes need to be in order
When the car is loaded with luggage, passengers, and maybe a roof box, the brakes are stressed more than normal. That's why you should react if the car is already showing signs of worn brakes.
Typical signs can be:
- Squealing or grinding sounds.
- Vibrations when braking.
- The car pulls to one side.
- A longer stopping distance.
- The brake pedal feels different than normal.
If you're unsure, it's better to get the brakes checked before the holiday than to discover the problem on the motorway.
3. Oil, coolant, and fluids should be reviewed
A longer drive puts greater demands on the engine. That's why you should check the car's fluids, especially if the car hasn't had service recently.
Check things like:
- Engine oil.
- Coolant.
- Brake fluid.
- Windscreen washer fluid.
- AdBlue, if the car uses it.
Low oil level or cooling system problems can quickly cause serious faults when the car drives long distances in hot weather. Motoring organizations also recommend reviewing brake fluid, the cooling system, coolant, engine oil, cabin filter, and tyres before a self-drive holiday.
4. The air conditioning needs to keep up
The AC system isn't just about comfort. On long trips it also helps keep the cabin comfortable, reduce moisture, and improve concentration behind the wheel.
You should consider AC service if:
- The car cools poorly.
- A bad smell comes from the ventilation.
- The windows fog up more than normal.
- The system is noisy.
- The cooling is uneven.
If the air conditioning fails on a hot holiday day, the trip can quickly become more stressful than necessary.
5. React to check engine lights and warnings before departure
A check engine light or warning in the dashboard shouldn't be ignored before a long trip. Some faults can seem minor day to day, but become obvious once the car is under load.
That's especially true if you experience:
- Loss of power.
- Uneven running.
- The car going into limp mode.
- Increased smoke from the exhaust.
- Higher fuel consumption.
- Unusual sounds from the engine or turbo.
Fault-finding can often give a clear answer on whether the car is ready for the trip, or whether something should be fixed first.
6. Remember lights, wipers, and practical details
It's also worth spending a few minutes on the simple things. They're often overlooked but can make a big difference on a long trip.
Check for example:
- Low beam, high beam, brake lights, and indicators.
- Windscreen wipers.
- Windscreen washer fluid.
- Battery condition.
- Spare wheel or puncture repair kit.
- Warning triangle and hi-vis vest.
- The car's documents and insurance.
If you're driving abroad, there may be specific equipment requirements. That's why it's a good idea to check the rules for the countries you'll be driving through.
When should the car be checked at a workshop?
You should get the car checked before the holiday if it hasn't had service recently, if you're driving far, or if you've already noticed something unusual.
A pre-holiday check can especially make sense if:
- The car needs to cover many kilometers.
- You're driving with a full load.
- The car is older or has high mileage.
- There are unusual sounds, vibrations, or warning lights.
- You want to avoid unnecessary stops and worries along the way.
Get the car ready for the holiday at MH Autoteknik
Taking the car on a self-drive holiday? We're happy to help with a thorough check, so you know whether the car is ready for the trip.
At MH Autoteknik Aps in Rødovre we can help with service, brake checks, AC service, fault-finding, and a general review of the car before the holiday.
Contact us today if you want the car checked before you set off.