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A reliable family road trip starts well before everyone climbs into the car. Route planning, basic vehicle checks and a few useful supplies can prevent avoidable delays and make long hours on the highway more comfortable. Set aside time several days before departure so you’re not checking tyres or searching for first-aid supplies on the morning you leave.
Plan Your Route and Rest Stops
Map the full route before departure, including fuel stations, meal stops and suitable places for children to stretch their legs. Aim for a break about every two hours, then adjust the timing for younger children or anyone prone to travel sickness. The NHTSA’s summer driving tips also recommend checking weather and road conditions before a long trip. Reviewing these safer driving tips can help you prepare for changing road conditions and make more informed decisions behind the wheel.
Download an offline map in case mobile reception drops out. Share the route with another adult and note any long stretches without services. If delays are likely, allow extra time so you don’t feel pressured to rush or skip breaks.
Check Fluid Levels and Tyre Pressure
Check the engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer fluid and brake fluid while the vehicle is parked on level ground and the engine is cool. Your owner’s manual will show where each reservoir sits and which products suit the vehicle. Never remove a coolant cap from a hot engine.
Even if your car seems to be running normally, a long highway journey can put extra demands on its brakes, tyres, battery and cooling system. Small issues that go unnoticed during short daily trips may become more disruptive when you’re travelling for hours, carrying extra luggage and driving in unfamiliar conditions. Booking a professional car service before departure gives a mechanic the opportunity to check key components, identify developing problems and recommend repairs before you set off. Addressing concerns early can help reduce the risk of an unexpected breakdown and make it easier to travel with your family with greater peace of mind.
Book a Professional Car Service
Arrange a professional inspection one or two weeks before a major drive, especially if your vehicle is due for scheduled maintenance or hasn’t travelled far recently. This timing leaves room for repairs without creating a last-minute scramble.
Tell the mechanic how far you expect to drive and mention any concerns, such as squealing brakes, rough starting, steering vibration or air conditioning that struggles on hot days. Ask for checks of the battery, brakes, suspension, belts, hoses and cooling system. Confirm that all exterior lights and windscreen wipers work properly too. Keep the service receipt and roadside assistance details in the glovebox where another adult can find them quickly.
Pack an Emergency Family First-Aid Kit
Store a clearly labelled first-aid kit somewhere accessible, not underneath a boot full of luggage. Include adhesive dressings, sterile gauze, medical tape, disposable gloves, antiseptic wipes, saline and blunt-ended scissors. Add any personal medicines your family may need, keeping them in their original packaging and within the recommended temperature range.
Pack drinking water, shelf-stable snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent and a torch with spare batteries. A phone charging cable and power bank can be useful if a breakdown lasts longer than expected. Include a list of emergency contacts and relevant health details on paper, as a locked or flat phone may not help when information is needed.
Keep Kids Entertained on the Highway
Prepare a small activity bag for each child and keep it within reach. Audiobooks, music playlists, reusable sticker books and simple drawing boards can fill long stretches without creating much mess. Download digital entertainment before leaving home, then bring headphones and charging cables.
Rotate activities instead of handing everything out at once. For example, offer an audiobook after the first rest stop and save a favourite film for the final stretch. Pack snacks in individual containers and avoid foods that melt, crumble heavily or require adult preparation. If travel sickness is common, encourage children to look outside, limit close-up screen time and provide fresh air during scheduled breaks.
Before pulling away, check that child restraints are correctly fitted, loose bags are secure, and water is easy to reach. A final walk around the vehicle takes less than a minute and may catch an open door, soft tyre or item left on the roof.
