*Is Your Car Summer Road Trip Ready?

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While it may not feel like it just yet, summer is getting closer and recently we had some gorgeous summery weather in the UK which is very rare for Manchester and for the first time in a while, I've been so excited for summer. Last year myself and a couple of my best friends took a summer road trip to the Lake District for a couple of days which was such a nice little getaway and I'd love to go on a mini road trip again this summer so today's post is great for those who are planning ahead as I am. 

MOT

Firstly, make sure you car is up to date with its MOT, tax and insurance. In the UK your car has to have passed an MOT to make sure it's safe to drive but you can always have it serviced in the meantime to check that there are no problems before a long car journey or road trip. Making sure that your car is legally and mechanically safe to drive is important at any time but especially if you are planning a long car journey whether it's in the UK or abroad.

An MOT in the UK involves numerous checks to test various aspects of your car from brakes, lights, exhaust system and the safety components of your car including seatbelts but it doesn't check the engine condition, gearbox or the clutch. You cannot drive your car if it has failed it's MOT, until it is repaired, or if you care driving your car to its MOT test.

It's also important to go to a reputable MOT centre and to use good quality tyres from a professional supplier to ensure the best standard and the best fit as ill fitted tyres can cause numerous problems and can potentially make your car dangerous to drive. If you are based in or around Northampton then check out the professional MOT services provided from Calmac Tyres Autocentre as their staff are friendly and they have some of the best equipment to give you peace of mind.

Tyres 

An important aspect of an MOT are the tyres! They are also especially important if you're taking a trip during the colder months in which case winter or snow tyres might be a great option to choose but in the summer, make sure that your tyres are in good condition with no areas of damage that could be exacerbated on a longer car journey or on rougher roads.

Extras and Emergency Items

Lastly, I wanted to mention a few extras and emergency items that would make a great addition to your summer road trip check list. I always keep a few items in my car at all times such as a mini first aid kit, extra healthy snacks (such as the Nakd snack bars or items from my DegustaBox), hand sanitiser, tissues, phone charging cables and a blanket; all of which I think would be ideal for a summer road trip. However, if you are going on a longer journey, particularly if it's on roads that aren't motorways or near large cities then it might also be useful to take a few extras that you wouldn't normally have in your car.

Do you have any road trip tips or essentials you'd take? 

*collaborative post