The Complete Christmas Road Trip Checklist for Parents: Tyre Safety and Upgrade

(Collaborative post by another author). It is nearly that time of year when all you want to do is veg out at home, perhaps with a glass of something nice and warming to hand, but you are instead forced into arranging a round of visits plotted carefully to take in all the grandparents, favourite aunts and uncle and even various in-laws and close family friends! Take some of the strain off the burden of all that travel by planning your route in advance so you take the shortest distance between visits (and cut short those to your least favourite cousin, because you 'must' make it to the next house before it gets too late, perhaps?) and also by getting your car thoroughly checked out before you travel: from the tyres up, every part of your car should be in great condition. Here's how to perform a quick tyre safety and upgrade test with a complete Christmas road trip checklist.

Driving long distances in winter may need extra care due to the snow, ice and cold weather

A little planning can help your Christmas road trip go more smoothly

Get Your Tyres Checked

Your tyres are the only part of your car in contact with the road. This means that if something goes wrong with the tyres, the road trip will grind to a halt, right away, and perhaps not get back on track for some time. It is recommended to inspect your tyres before taking any family road trips. Broadway Autocentres is offering tyres in Farnham on competitive local prices, additionally, their booking process on the website is seamless and quick. And while you're thinking about your tyres, have you considered fitting winter tyres? They are a great idea if you will regularly be driving in temperatures below 7°C, as they will keep you safe as you get from your Essex home to your family in Farnham or further afield.

Be Prepared

Like a Boy Scout, when you are travelling with children, it pays to be prepared. Even if your journey is meant to be fairly short, plan just in case things take a bit longer. At this time of year, lots of people are travelling about the country and the weather is not at its best, not even mentioning how early it gets dark now! Carry snacks and water, a warm blanket, warning triangles, a first aid kit and try to ensure that at least one mobile phone is always properly charged up to use in an emergency.

Take Time for a Service

Book a service shortly before you are due to begin the round of visits. This will catch any problems that have begun to occur with the car and give your mechanic time to catch and repair them all before they become major issues on the motorway.

Christmas time can be a burdensome time with lots of expectations and hopes pinned on you, but it is all worth it in the end, isn't it? When the children's faces light up with delight at their gifts, when the Christmas lights are put on instead of the 'big light', and when your favourite relative gives you a comfy chair and a treat to nibble on, nothing can be better!