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Long car trip? Then use these 5 tips

With a little luck we can go on holiday again this summer. Unfortunately, traveling by plane will not be an option yet, but fortunately many holiday destinations are also easily accessible by car. It is true that a car trip involves completely different preparations than when you take the plane. Therefore, use the tips below to start your holiday well prepared.

1. Are you insured?

It is of course not to be hoped, but anything can happen along the way. That is why car insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and other countries in Europe. Taking out car insurance is very important, because it insures the damage to your car or the damage you cause to someone else with your car. Before you go on holiday, it is smart to check your car insurance to see what exactly you are insured for. For example, you need third-party liability cover if you want to be insured against damage that you may cause to someone else during your trip.

2. Check the tires

Whether you have to drive all the way to the south of France this summer or do not have to go further than the Veluwe; a good condition of your tires is always a requirement. Bad tires are often the cause of a car accident. Worn or old tires mean that you have less grip on the road. Tire aging can be recognized by signs of drying out and a lot of damage, such as holes or the rubber that is starting to come loose. In addition, it is important to check whether you have the right tires for the season; you have summer and winter tires. Are you in doubt? Then arrange for an early APK inspection.

3. Clean the car

Also not an unnecessary luxury:cleaning the car itself. Of course you regularly get your car through the car wash or you go to work with the garden hose yourself. Keeping the interior of your car clean is also important. Especially if you have a long car ride ahead of you, it is nice if your car is also clean inside. This takes away a lot of frustration; nobody likes to drive in a car full of crumbs and bad smells. Also check the inside of the windows for extra good visibility on the road.

4. Check the navigation system

Before you leave, check whether your navigation system is set up correctly. There's nothing more annoying than finding out you've made a wrong turn. Do you use a TomTom? Check if your version is still supported. Do you want to navigate your journey using an app on your phone? Then check whether your app has been recently updated. If this is not the case, there is a chance that some redirects will not be indicated. Make sure that the equipment is properly charged.

5. Not too much stuff

An advantage of traveling by car is that you can take a relatively large amount with you; when you go by plane you are often stuck with one suitcase and your hand luggage. However, it is wise not to take too much with you. A fully packed car is a lot more dangerous. Braking becomes more difficult and things can fly through the car. In addition, your car also consumes more fuel when a lot of stuff is packed. Therefore, prepare a packing list in advance so that you are sure that you do not take too much with you. Then you can hit the road with peace of mind!