24 July 2023

Prepare your car for long journeys over Christmas

Service your car and ease your mind about a long journey over the festive period, with our experts’ top tips

Christmas is a time of busy, icy roads, so car safety is even more important than usual; if you’ve got a long journey ahead, it’s easy to make your journey stress-free with simple checks and tips. Read on for our expert advice on how to make sure tyres, oil and everything in between is fit for purpose this Christmas and remember to stay safe on your long drive!

Check tyres

One of the most important parts of the car to check before you leave, make sure your tyres are in good condition. The legally required tread depth is 1.6mm: pump your tyres the correct pressure and make sure that they’re fit for a long journey: if you have a spare, that must be pumped too.

Check oil and screenwash

Engine oil, brake fluid and screenwash all need to be topped up before a long journey too. Have a look under the bonnet to make sure you’re okay for each: your brake fluid should be within half an inch of the cap, for example.

Check lights and breaks

Check the front lights are working on the car and have someone stand behind your car to check the back lights are working. If your brakes feel spongy, then you’ll need to get them fixed too; if you hear grinding sounds, it could also mean you need replacement breaks.

Have the car serviced

The best way to get your car road-ready is to have a professional look at it. A quick service can really ease your mind about your long journey ahead: at Sunrise Service & MOT Centre, we can even collect and deliver your car to a destination of your choice.


For more information about diagnosing your car’s problems ready for the winter, contact our team today on 01258 459 798.

Share this post

Need a quotation? Please submit an enquiry below.