A long journey puts more demands on your vehicle than any amount of short urban trips. Motorway speeds, sustained engine loads, and extended braking all expose weaknesses that might go unnoticed in everyday driving. The good news is that the vast majority of long-journey breakdowns are preventable with a straightforward pre-departure check. This guide walks through everything you should inspect or prepare before setting off on a long drive — and what to do if something goes wrong on the road.
Tyres are your vehicle's only contact with the road, and tyre failure at motorway speed is one of the most dangerous situations a driver can face. Before any long journey, check all four tyres — and the spare if you carry one — for the following. Tread depth: the legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, but safety performance degrades significantly below 3mm. Use a tread depth gauge or the 20p test — insert a 20p coin into the tread groove; if the outer band of the coin is visible, the tread is below 3mm and the tyre should be replaced before a long journey. Tyre pressure: under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption, reduce handling precision, and dramatically increase the risk of a blowout at speed. Check pressures when the tyres are cold, using the pressures specified in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door frame. Note that the correct pressure for a fully loaded vehicle is often higher than for a lightly loaded one. Sidewall condition: inspect each tyre for cuts, bulges, cracks, or embedded objects. A bulge in the sidewall indicates internal structural damage and the tyre must be replaced immediately — do not drive on it.
Fluid levels are quick to check and critical to get right. Engine oil: check the level using the dipstick with the engine cold and the car on level ground. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. Top up with the correct grade of oil as specified in your owner's manual — using the wrong grade can cause engine damage. Coolant: check the level in the expansion tank — it should be between the min and max marks. Never open the coolant cap when the engine is hot. If the coolant level is consistently dropping, there may be a leak that should be investigated before a long journey. Brake fluid: check the reservoir level — a low level can indicate worn brake pads or a leak, both of which require attention. Windscreen washer fluid: fill the reservoir completely before a long motorway journey — spray from other vehicles can coat your windscreen rapidly, and running out of washer fluid at speed is both dangerous and illegal. Power steering fluid: check the reservoir if your vehicle has hydraulic power steering — low fluid can cause heavy, unresponsive steering.
A failed light is not just a legal issue — it can make your vehicle invisible to other road users in poor conditions. Walk around your vehicle and check all lights: headlights (dipped and full beam), sidelights, brake lights, indicators (front and rear), reversing lights, and fog lights. Checking brake lights requires a second person or a reflective surface — park close to a wall and apply the brakes to see the reflection. Check that your horn works. If your vehicle has a dashboard warning light for low battery or charging system issues, have the battery and alternator tested before a long journey — a failing battery is the most common cause of breakdown in the UK, and cold or sustained motorway driving can accelerate the failure. Ensure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and clear the screen effectively — replace blades that smear or skip.
Brakes and steering are not items you can inspect fully without specialist equipment, but there are warning signs you can check for before setting off. Brake warning signs: a spongy or low brake pedal, a pulling sensation when braking, a grinding or squealing noise when braking, or a vibration through the pedal all indicate that the brakes require professional inspection before a long journey. Do not ignore these symptoms. Steering warning signs: a vibration through the steering wheel at motorway speeds often indicates a wheel balancing issue or a tyre problem. A pulling sensation to one side suggests a wheel alignment issue or uneven tyre wear. Excessive play in the steering wheel, or a clicking noise when turning, may indicate worn steering or suspension components. If your vehicle has been showing any of these symptoms, have it inspected by a mechanic before undertaking a long motorway journey.
Running out of fuel on a motorway is not only embarrassing — it is dangerous and, if it causes an obstruction, potentially a criminal offence. Before a long journey, fill your tank completely rather than relying on the fuel gauge. On motorways, services are spaced at intervals of up to 39 miles — the longest gap on the UK motorway network is between Exeter and Taunton on the M5. Plan your fuel stops in advance, particularly if you are driving a vehicle with a smaller tank or higher fuel consumption. If you are driving an electric vehicle, plan your charging stops carefully and allow more time than the navigation system suggests — charging speeds vary significantly between networks and individual chargers, and popular chargers at motorway services can have queues during peak periods. Carry the contact details of your breakdown provider and a backup payment method in case your primary card fails at a fuel pump.
A well-stocked boot can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation if something goes wrong. The following items are worth carrying on any long journey. A warning triangle or LED warning light: to alert other road users if you break down. A high-visibility vest: keep it in the cabin, not the boot — you need to be able to put it on before you exit the vehicle. A torch: essential if you break down at night. A first aid kit: a legal requirement in some European countries and good practice everywhere. A phone charger or power bank: your phone is your primary means of calling for help. A blanket and warm clothing: if you break down in winter and have to wait for recovery, temperatures inside a stationary car drop quickly. A bottle of water and some food: for long waits or if you are travelling with children. Jump leads or a portable battery pack: for flat battery situations. A tyre inflator or can of tyre sealant: for minor punctures that do not require a full tyre change.
Good journey planning reduces the risk of fatigue, which is a factor in approximately 20% of serious road accidents in the UK. Plan to take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours — do not rely on willpower to push through tiredness. If you are setting off very early or driving through the night, be aware that the body's natural circadian rhythm causes a dip in alertness between 2am and 6am and again between 2pm and 4pm — these are statistically the highest-risk periods for fatigue-related accidents. Check the weather forecast for your route and allow extra time if adverse conditions are expected. Check for roadworks and planned closures on your route using the National Highways website or a live traffic app. Share your route and estimated arrival time with someone who is not travelling with you, so that someone will notice if you do not arrive.
Even with thorough preparation, breakdowns can happen. If your vehicle develops a warning light, unusual noise, or handling problem during a long journey, do not ignore it and hope it resolves itself — pull over at the next safe opportunity and assess the situation. On a motorway, move to the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area, switch on your hazard lights, exit from the left side, and stand well away from the carriageway behind the barrier. Call your breakdown provider or, if you are not covered or your provider cannot attend within a reasonable time, call Black Eagle Recovery on 0330 520 1620. We provide 24/7 roadside assistance and vehicle recovery across London and the South East, and can often reach you faster than a national provider during peak periods. We will give you a clear price before we attend and will take your vehicle to your preferred destination.
Broken down on a long journey? Black Eagle Recovery provides 24/7 roadside assistance and vehicle recovery across London and the South East. Call 0330 520 1620 — we'll get you back on the road or safely to your destination.
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