A Land Rover is a fantastic vehicle to enjoy a road trip in. Capable of handling a variety of terrains, spacious, and so versatile in style that you can prep for a road trip of more or less any distance and enjoy a comfortable drive in it.
But how do you ensure your Land Rover is in its best condition to give you the perfect ride from point A-2-B and beyond?
Our team of Land Rover experts at Roberts Country Vehicles have spent years working on a variety of Land Rovers that have ranged from those used for journeys around town to those that tackle hundreds of miles in one go. And we see from the wear they encounter, that many people do not prepare for the journey type they plan to put their vehicle through.
As Land Rover specialists, we understand that your vehicle needs to be cared for so have put together a list of the things you need to make sure that your Land Rover is ready for a road trip.
Preparing your Land Rover for a long journey
There are several things you should check on your Land Rover before heading out on a long journey. Some will appear obvious and others may not seem quite so clear. If you are coming close to the date of your next service, or think that your Land Rover could benefit from a more in-depth inspection before you head off on your journey, consider booking it for a service with a reputable Land Rover servicing specialist. They will be able to complete a full service that puts your vehicle at the peak of its power.
This could include oil changes, a battery test, an inspection of the exhaust, a check of the suspension and much more.
If you don’t need to head to a service centre, there are still many checks that you should carry out at home to make sure your Land Rover is ready for the drive ahead.
1. Tyre pressure
An incorrect tyre pressure could see you encountering several problems when driving your Land Rover. If tyre pressures are too low, braking, steering and grip can all suffer as your tyres cannot work as they should on the road. A fault with just one tyre can lead to a huge accident. Before you head off, preferably a day or two before, check your tyre pressure. This can be done, in many cases, via the vehicle’s display system. You can also check via a tyre pressure gauge. Some people prefer this method just in case the detection system in your vehicle appears inaccurate. Simply top up the pressure at a local garage to get this problem rectified.
2. Lights
Whether you are driving during daylight hours or not, all lights need to be working correctly. Your lights benefit both you and the other road users so having them all work correctly is beneficial to everyone.
To test them, borrow a friend or family member to watch the lights as you activate them. Make sure all lights for both the front and rear of the car are tested. If any are faulty, you can replace them yourself but at times this can prove to be tricky so it can be beneficial to visit a garage for a quick fix.
3. Oil levels
A vehicle needs to have a good level of lubrication to make sure it performs properly. If the oil is too low, you could find your engine getting left in poor condition, it may even cease up on the journey and leave you with no way to complete it until a repair crew attend. Just like with tyre pressure, the inbuilt system should inform you if oil levels are insufficient, however, you can check it yourself with a dipstick if you prefer. If it is shown that your oil is below the minimum, top it up before setting off. Just ensure you do not go above the maximum level.
4. Windscreen wipers and screenwash
A clean windscreen can be the difference between being in an accident and avoiding one so make sure that you have washed the windscreen before leaving and that your screenwash is topped up. With the potential for changeable weather, bugs, dirt and more all to hit your windscreen, you want to keep it clean so you can see the road ahead and obstacles that may appear suddenly. Cracks and chips can prove to be extremely hazardous so if you do spot one, look to get it repaired before heading out.
5. Tyre Tread
Whilst tyre pressure can cause you plenty of problems, a worn tyre can be just as bad, if not worse. With the control of your car severely compromised, you put yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk. Your tyres MUST have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the part that hits the road. If you use a 20p, you can get a good idea of whether the tread is sufficient. The edge of a 20p piece measures 2.5mm, put the coin into the tread and if the edge of the coin sits in it. You have a safe tread depth to drive on.
6. Brake fluid
Brake fluid is another important check you need to carry out before venturing out in your Land Rover. Without it, your brakes will fail and then there could be several accidents. Each Land Rover user manual will tell you what level you should fill the fluid to. Do not overfill or leave it too low. You will cause yourself further issues.
7. Engine coolant
A long journey will see your engine working hard for extended periods meaning that it will get very hot. Making sure your coolant levels are sufficient will stop any unexpected engine faults that could cost a lot of money to rectify.
The above seven tips are the key factors to make sure your Land Rover is at its best for a road trip but you must also factor in what may be beneficial for you and the driver too.
What should you pack for a road trip in a Land Rover?
Having your vehicle at its best is one thing but if you do not provide yourself with the right accessories or equipment, your road trip could prove either disastrous, unsafe, or problematic. Pack the items from this list below to make sure that you and your passengers remain safe, entertained and comfortable whilst on the road:
- First aid kit
- Torch
- Warm clothing
- Blankets
- Rubbish bags
- Roadside assistance equipment (warning triangles, his-vis jackets etc)
- Window shades
- Fully charged power banks
- Maps should you enter zones with no signal
- Suncream
- Drinking water
- Cool box with food/drinks
- Games (especially if children are on board)
If you are heading on a road trip in your Land Rover and prefer your vehicle to be checked over by a team of Land Rover experts, contact RCV. With Land Rover MOTs, as well as tyre and wheel alignments a further part of our service, we can make sure that your vehicle is in its best possible condition. With prices at up to 40% less than main dealers too, it is no wonder that those looking for a London Land Rover specialist are happy to use RCV. Based in Kent, we welcome Land Rover owners from all over the country, so why not look into booking a premium, affordable Land Rover service with us today?