Car expert – prepping your vehicle for a last-minute dash to Berlin for the final

England’s Euro 2024 success has prompted a rush of fans attempting to make the last-minute journey to Berlin for the final against Spain on Sunday.

With flights to Germany rocketing in price and many selling out, some of these supporters will be driving, so for those embarking on the long journey, car maintenance experts at LKQ Euro Car Parts have issued some essential vehicle checks to avoid any unexpected issues on the road.

“Be sure to give your tyres a thorough check before you set off on your trip. Your tyre pressure is not only key to how smooth your journey will be but can also impact on your fuel consumption.

“Look in your car’s manual, or inside the fuel tank flap, to find the optimal pressure level. It will vary for front and back tyres, and you can test and modify the pressure at your local petrol station, or at home with a pressure gauge.”

The following equipment should also be taken with you when driving in Europe:

“Before a long car journey, make sure to check your car is fully topped up with windscreen wiper fluid. Especially during the summer months, dirt and dust can accumulate on windshields, so being able to safely and quickly clean them is essential. You can find the windshield fluid reservoir under the bonnet and top it up with fluid to the maximum line.

“If your car hasn’t been serviced recently, it may be a good idea to check your engine oil. Pop the bonnet whilst the engine is cool and pull out the dipstick. Wipe the end of the stick and put it back into its slot before pulling out again to clearly see the oil levels. If the oil is sitting below the lowest line on the dipstick, then you will need to top up your oil immediately.”

“Most drivers are aware that car batteries are at a high risk of dying over the winter but what many people don’t realise is that the problems from this usually start in summer. When the temperature increases your battery ages faster meaning you’re at higher risk of it dying before your journey.

“The best way to protect the battery (and your wallet) before hitting the road is to keep your car parked in a shaded area where it can remain cool, so it won’t be as affected by the heat. Increasing your journey time can also help as short journeys, with a lot of starts and stops, don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery so take advantage of the warm weather and walk shorter journeys if possible.”

“When it comes to driving, you must be prepared to face the unexpected, which is why having a safety box on board is essential if you encounter any problems on the road. The point is to prepare for a number of unexpected issues, so should include items such as jump leads, a tyre pressure gage, a warning triangle, first aid kit, phone charger, torch, spare clothing, blankets and a high vis vest.”

For more information on how to prepare for driving long journeys, please visit LKQ Euro Car Parts.