Thinking about a summer holiday road trip? Here are our top tips... 

It's great to get away during bank holidays or school holidays, but when it comes to road trips, how can you prepare for busy roads?

• Plan for a safe and stress-free road trip
• Check your car is in good order before a long journey
• What to do if your vehicle breaks down

The UK has so much to offer if you're planning a UK road trip. From coastal cottages to countryside retreats, we're spoilt for choice.

We're less spoilt when it comes to traffic though, because we all seem to hit the road at the same time! Bank Holiday weekends and school holidays often come hand in hand with miles of traffic, making our car journeys more miserable than merry. 

To make matters worse, cars can often break down at the most inopportune times, making tailbacks even worse. So, if you're thinking about a staycation or road trip, follow our top tips for a trouble-free journey.

Take time to run through this quick checklist before you set off.  Your car manual should be your first port of call if you're not used to tinkering under the bonnet.

Your car's engine coolant is a mix of antifreeze and water and the levels should be monitored to make sure the engine doesn't overheat, causing a breakdown at the roadside.

You can check the coolant levels on the reservoir next to your radiator; refer to your handbook if you're ever in doubt where to find it. In most cars, this tank is translucent so you can make sure the coolant sits between the minimum and maximum guide. For your safety, only do this when the engine is cold, and the car isn't running.

Take time to inspect all of your lights, from brake lights to indicators, making sure they all work as they should. This should be done on a weekly basis; using reflections can help you or you may need help from someone else to watch for blown bulbs. Take this opportunity to give them a wipe with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt.

If you do end up stuck in traffic, make sure you've got everything you need in the car to stay comfortable and safe. Our must-have list includes:

• Food and water. 
• A fully charged mobile phone and a spare charger. Don't forget to save your insurance provider's number in your phone before you leave. 
• Road maps, in case the SatNav fails.  
• First aid kit.
• If you're travelling with kids, remember to charge up any tablets or devices, and pack travel games and pillows so they're comfortable in the back.
• An empty fuel can. Keeping an empty fuel can in your car can be a great way of planning ahead but it’s important to remember some vital safety tips if you do plan on using one. 

How to use a jerry can safely:

• Avoid filling cans up to the brim.
• Make sure any caps or metal holders are secured tightly. 
• Remember to keep them away from passengers.
• Take your time when filling them up – slow and steady hand is key!

Also keep in mind that you can only store a maximum of 30 litres of petrol in your vehicle, and you can only use a maximum of two containers for this.
 

Should your car break down, don't panic:

• If you’re on the motorway, try and pull over to the hard shoulder. If you’re not on a motorway and you can’t pull off the road, get as far left and away from the road as possible, provided it's safe. Switch on your hazard lights and, if it's dark, keep your sidelights on too.
• Sometimes you can't get your car clear of the road. In this case, only leave your vehicle if you can do so safely. If you can't exit the vehicle and decide to stay put, keep your seatbelt on and switch on your hazards and sidelights.
• If you can safely leave your vehicle leave by the passenger door and keep well back from the road on a verge or on the other side of the barrier if there is one. Keep a clear view of the oncoming traffic and don't stand in front of your vehicle.
• If you do break down and you have breakdown cover, call your provider.
• Don't try to fix the repairs yourself - wait for a rescue vehicle.
   

Make sure you have enough fuel for your journey – and if you're going further afield, plan your fuel stops before you leave. Armed with these helpful hints, your journey should be a breeze...