Be prepared

No-one wants to break down far from home, so guard against unexpected problems by making sure your car has been serviced to schedule. If a service is due soon, book it in early; leave enough time to allow for any necessary repairs. Pay attention to any niggly problems: those rattles and clunks you put up with on the shopping run may develop into something worse on a longer journey.

Even if your car is in great condition, check your oil level, tyre pressures, and levels of coolant and screenwash. Make sure your tyres have plenty of tread (legally the tread depth should be no less than 1.6mm), that all your headlight bulbs are functioning, and that your windscreen wiper blades are not split or ragged.

Consider taking out breakdown cover if you do not already have this - this can generally be added as an optional extra to your car insurance policy.

Before you leave

Now prepare yourself by studying your route on a map and plan your journey. Try to memorise the numbers of motorway exits you need to take and key road names - or write them down for a passenger. It's best not to rely entirely on a satnav device - they are not infallible.

If you're going abroad, make sure you have the correct documentation for your car, and check the rules of the road for your destination. Local laws may require you to carry certain safety items, and you will need headlight adaptors if you're driving on the right-hand side of the road.

Pack your car carefully, using nets and hooks to secure luggage if possible. Ensure that objects will be restrained if you are in an accident or if you have to brake sharply; even small items - such as mobile phones - can be lethal if they hit your head hard, so stow them away safely. Make sure your view out of the rear window and to the sides is not impaired, and consider using a roof rack or roof box if your car is too crammed.

Get your luggage, and anything else you might want for the journey, ready the day before - and then get a good night's sleep.

On the road

Allow yourself plenty of time. Check whether there are any congestion hotspots en route, and plan accordingly; local radio stations and breakdown organisations give regular traffic bulletins, some available via your satnav service or smartphone app. Set out with a full fuel tank, and remember that filling stations in rural areas may not remain open late at night. It's a good idea not to let your tank become too empty, especially if you're not sure when you'll next find a fuel pump.

If at any point you feel your attention wandering or your eyes getting heavy, pull off the road - one in five fatal accidents on main roads are caused by fatigue. Road safety organisations recommend you take a break from driving at least every two hours. Pull into a service station or somewhere safe and away from traffic, get some fresh air and stretch your legs for at least 15 minutes.

Bear in mind that a cup of coffee can perk you up a little - but don't purely rely on caffeine or energy drinks to stay alert; a 10-15 minute cat-nap can be more effective. Don't eat anything too heavy or stodgy, or sugar-loaded - your energy levels will initially soar but then rapidly crash. Fruit, protein-rich foods and healthy snacks are a better option. It's also never a good idea to eat at the wheel – not only can it affect the attention you give to the road, it can also be viewed as careless driving by the police, who could pull you over for it. Meanwhile, try to keep your car well-ventilated and not too stuffy.

Finally, relax, enjoy the drive, and - when you arrive - your destination.

Issued by Sainsbury's Finance