Tips to prepare your car for a long trip
Are you planning your first long trip by car? Are you preparing to travel with children? Are you going to travel with your pet? When the time approaches to plan your holidays, it is important to consider certain tips to enjoy your trip:
Check your vehicle before your holidays
This step is essential. Frequently checking your vehicle to ensure it is functioning correctly is necessary to avoid pointless risks. Before starting your journey, we recommend that you control the main indicators:
- Check the oil level
- Measure the level of water and anti-freeze
- Measure the level of brake fluid
Travelling by car with your baby
If you are travelling with a baby, we provide you with some tips to make the journey easier:
Baby bag at hand
It is better to have everything you need always “at hand” for the trip: a bag with a change mat, nappies, a change of clothes, bibs, etc.
Rear view mirror
It is important to have a rear-view mirror to be able to see your baby, especially when you are travelling alone with them. Therefore, with a simple glance you can see that they are all right.
Accommodate the vehicle
Whether it is summer or winter and although it seems obvious, it is necessary to do so to avoid your baby suffering from brusque changes in temperature. If your vehicle is in the sun, open the windows and the doors, allow air to circulate, put on the air conditioning and when the “oven micro-climate” of your car has cooled down, then put your baby in the car and not beforehand. Babies are sensitive to heat exhaustion
Comfortable clothing and fresh water
This is basic. To travel by car with a baby, they must wear baggy, comfortable clothing made of natural fibres, such as cotton, which is soft, comfortable and transpirable. Furthermore, it is important for your baby to always remain hydrated.
Onboard entertainment
It is recommendable to keep your baby entertained during the trip. There are many babies which, as soon as they notice the rocking of the car, fall asleep. Others, however, do not want to miss anything that is happening around them. If your little one is among the latter, it is better to carry some of their favourite teddies or toys so that the trip is shorter. For example, a roll-up portable travel blackboard, which is easy to clean and with which they can entertain themselves if they are a little bit older.
Travelling with your pet
When we travel with animals by car, it is important to place them in their corresponding carrier. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider a series of indications:
When we travel with animals by car, it is important to place them in their corresponding carrier. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider a series of indications:
- Always carry their documentation: The animal must have an official updated health card, stamped by an authorised vet. If you travel to the European Union, you must also take their pet passport. As always, the microchip will also be useful if your pet is lost.
- Pet security:The traffic regulations state that animals must be correctly retained in the vehicle to prevent them from distracting you from driving. In the event of an accident, a loose pet multiplies the dangers, since they could be thrown out of the car, harming themselves or the remaining passengers. Hence, aside from the separator, it is advisable to use pet retention systems.
- Without surprises: If you travel abroad, ensure that your driver’s licence is valid in the EU or anywhere you travel.
You can consult all the information required and the documentation that you need in this link:
Plan your trip
Before leaving, plan your route and inform of the state of the roads, avoiding those that are being repaired or conflictive or dangerous through roads.
Rest every two hours
Rest every two hours to quench your thirst and stretch your legs. Try and sleep well the night before. If you travel with any person that also has a driving licence, you can take turns driving.
Enjoy your trip:
Finally, enjoy your time behind the steering wheel and the landscape. Moderate your speed and remember that your car journey forms part of your holidays!
Finally, enjoy your time behind the steering wheel and the landscape. Moderate your speed and remember that your car journey forms part of your holidays!
We remind you that, should you require travel assistance, you can request it from your mobile telephone in your Customer Area, where we will geolocate your position to find your vehicle more quickly.
You can also contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on the following telephone numbers: